It's complicated. . . .

 

We all want to just live a simple life, but nobody really knows how to do that. –Cameron Britton

 

We got a new television this week. It’s a “smart TV,” and it makes me feel kinda dumb.

In the “good old days,” when you brought home the TV, all you had to do was plug it in the wall and turn it on. That’s it. No remote control except the kids. Maybe you’d need to add an antenna, and it might take two people to get those rabbit ears adjusted just right. But it was that easy. Lawrence Welk was in our living room before we knew it.

This time . . . ugh. There’s a code to type in. And a really complicated remote control. And literally hundreds of channels to choose from (but a current contract dispute keeps us from getting one of our favorites)!

I miss simple. During this pandemic, I suspect I am not alone. People are learning old practices as new things: baking bread, taking long walks instead of going to the gym. Staying home.

Even the holidays have gotten complicated. Instead of having everyone over, we need to choose carefully and be cautious. The gift we share this Christmas shouldn’t be COVID.

But the story at the heart of the celebration for Christians remains unchanged—and simple. God came to dwell among us in human form, and frankly, I believe God has never left!

Take time to read the story again. Look around. Where is the love of God visible? What acts of kindness give us hope in this unprecedented period in our lives? Hang on to that with all your heart and give thanks. Amen.


Monday This week we lit the candle symbolizing Joy. Ponder what this means for you. Does your life reflect true, deep-seated joy? 2 Samuel 7:1-3

Tuesday During this busy season, pause today and deliberately rest in God’s presence. Try to be still for at least five minutes. Reflect and thank God for the experience. (Tomorrow—go for six minutes.) 2 Samuel 7:4-5

Wednesday Today, be very deliberate in letting something go. Whatever you choose, during your prayer time, hand it over to God. (No take-backs.) Luke 1:46-55

Thursday How do you feel about quietness? Today, turn off the TV and radio. In the silence, be aware of your feelings. Praise God. Psalm 89:1-4

Friday Take some time today to think about your life story, painful moments as well as victorious ones. Be aware of what feelings arise. (Tears allowed.) Consider journaling. 2 Samuel 7:6-16

Saturday Today as you pray for yourself, reflect on your basic nature. Do you tend to be upbeat? Complaining? Patient? Grateful? Is there room for change? (Pray and see what happens.) Romans 16:25-27

Sunday Notice today how you (and others) address God. Who is God to you: Father? (Mother?) Eternal? Spirit? Gracious? Luke 1:26-38

 

I began to realize how simple life could be if one had a regular routine to follow with fixed hours, a fixed salary, and very original thinking to do. –Roald Dahl

 

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