Best. Gift. Ever.

Well, for one, it is hard to believe that it has been more than two weeks since my last post.. and two, I canNOT believe that it is already December!! Time is flying by...

December: When I practice free association, the words that come to mind are: Christmas, snow, family, joy, peace, caroling, lights...

Ahhh.. Christmas. It is something magical. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Thanksgiving, a wonderful holiday that practices (well, more so: thrives) on extending our waistlines gratitude. I simply love the time with family and the idea of spending the whole day in an attitude of appreciation and humbleness. How perfect for the transition into Christmas.

Christmas: the birth of Christ. The gift to the world...

To be living in the land where Christ was born is something ....very surreal. Being here, I have read the Scripture so differently (since I now have the ability to see the land that the Bible speaks of). Hard to believe that as I sit here, on my couch, I am minutes away from the field where the shepherds were given the Good News, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people..."

Surreal, to say the least.

It's also ..eh, something bitter to see how the world likes to distract us with "more" (be it a new car, electronic device, clothes... You fill in the gap.) when we are (hopefully) trying to stay focused on Jesus.

Unrelated thus far, but a fact nonetheless (that will come into reason, promise): I find myself saying, "Well, since I am a visual person, I should write that down." Now, am I saying that I don't have the ability to remember something important for another because I will merely toss that thought aside in .0093 seconds when given something new and sparkly to look at?

I hope not.

But, have I been trained to do that? Is that what my world has told me to do? I am constantly bombarded with something new, something that is not "yesterday's trash" and told what should be desired. I am told that last year's car model is obsolete, last month's latest gadget is slow, and last week's shirt is old.

Around Christmas time, these lies seem to practically jump off of the pages of newspapers and magazines. In fact, I think I should invest in ear plugs to help drown out the scream from the television commercials...

Are they trying to make me insane here?

Wait, am I wrong for not jumping in line on Black Friday?!?
Where are my COUPONS?!??
I NEED TO BUY SOMETHING FOR CHRISTMAS-- FAST!!!

hmmm... Something seems off in this picture.

Shouldn't I stay focused on Christ? Whhhhy am I distracted by "wants" when what I need has been here all along?

Not going to lie, part of me is very excited to be thousands of miles from the place I call home. For one, as stated previously, I am HERE. The start of it all!

And another reason: I can honestly say that I have not been stressed about shopping or even THINKING about making a Christmas list of gifts that I must buy. Or, even, a list for myself (to help deflect any unwanted presents of course..). I am focused on the task at hand: simply, being here.

I am here to teach integrity, truth, and, not to mention, the rules of the English language.

But, there are, also times when I find myself fall to distractions. How wonderful that God is patient during this whole process! This whole, living to glorify Him, thing. He knows I goof up. He knows I can, at times, tarnish His name with my foolishness. Like a parent is to a child, He desires to correct my mischievous spirit with His love and His kindness.

God is here. Always with me. Always wanting to guide me. Thanks be to God for the gift of Jesus... the gift of mercy. The gift of grace. The gift of peace. The gift of comfort.

Thank you, God, for giving the world: Jesus.

I don't fully understand it, and I don't believe I ever will.. but I am ever-grateful.

Here's to a month of staying Christ-focused (in the midst of chaotic shopping, for all of you reading).

ps, to my family and friends: The part of me that is NOT excited to be here misses you dearly and is sending loads and loads of love your way! :)

photo attribution