December

When I think of December, I think of one of three things: Christmas, winter, or the end of the year. But it's interesting how there are different views on Christmas. Today, there are 15 days until Christmas. It seems like a few months ago it was 364 days until this coming holiday. As one grows older, time appears to move along quicker. 

It's funny how 70 degrees seems too warm in the summer when you're inside, but during the winter 70 degrees isn't warm enough to stay cozy inside. Perspectives and circumstances can make a season of life seem either miserable or magical. For the snowy regions, "If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow" (Annonymous). This can apply to external circumstances, like the cold or your job, and internal situations, like your heart. 

We can look at life from an eternal perspective and see that life is good, and recognize that the temporary things will be gone, and all that will remain is our relationship with Christ. Life may become difficult, but our life is only a tiny percentage of infinity. 

During this month, schedules and to-do lists may become hectic and crowded, you may feel like you can't handle everything going on, and you may want time to slow down. I often find myself admiring the beautiful creation around me, and time seems to stand still. God didn't just make us, humans, He made everything else around us, and there are so many untold stories that we don't know. 

It's the end of another decade, which is crazy to think about, and God will do so many amazing things in the 2020s. There are so many things unknown to us, but I can just imagine God smiling because He's going to do such great things and His plan will be even further lived out. 

Take time to breathe, admire what God has done, and live the life He has for you. 

In December we can reflect on the year—or further back—and be just so incredibly thankful, no matter how your year went. As described previously, pain is temporary, love is eternal. "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).  God will turn all things into good for those who follow Him, and we can learn from our lowest points, and bring God higher in the midst of them and afterward. 

Each day in December was created by God, an author beyond imagination—even better. 

~The Inspired One