Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Christmas Reflections

I’ve thought a lot this year about how to help make Christmas real for the kids…I don’t mean the presents & get togethers…that part is obviously real for them…but the real meaning for Christmas & why that’s important! I was very pleased at how well it went. I really didn’t do a lot…just brought it up lots of times in different situations & places & we talked about how this related to Jesus birth. Benjamin really started connecting things & why we did them. Manda & Kirby were more just learning what we celebrate at Christmas. I pray that in the months to come…because Jesus birth isn’t just important at Christmas!...we can reinforce that & help it become even more real to them!

Another thing that’s been on my mind a lot lately is work related & learning to trust…again. With all the cold weather at the beginning of December we didn’t get the jobs poured that we were supposed to…so payroll on the 16th had to be on credit. At the time I wasn’t too concerned because it looked like we’d be able to pour just after payday so we could pay it right back. Now we’re nearly to the next payday & have still only poured one of those jobs. I’ve started really stressing about it…still have to pay back last payday, plus pay bills, plus this payday...all right at Christmas time. Every time I think about it I tell myself not to worry & know that I need to give it to God…but every time I struggle with it. It defies our human understanding…from what I can see, even if we get paid from both jobs we’ll still be behind…but I have to trust that God knows what He’s doing…He knows what’s coming & how we’re going to pay the bills. And so I’m choosing…I’m having a hard time feeling it, but I’m choosing it & trusting He’ll help me feel it…I’m choosing to trust that He knows best & that He will provide for us. Jesus didn’t come to earth as a baby for no reason…He loves us & cares about us. Help me to trust you more Jesus. Please help us to be able to pour these jobs & get paid in your perfect timing.

One thing that has been huge through this is Ben’s support. I have so appreciated his patience in not getting frustrated when I start to take out the stress of not being paid on him…& his gentle reminders that I’ll have to take the weather up with God because he can’t change that! Thanks honey for reminding me to trust that God knows what He’s doing. I love you!

2 comments:

Cheri | Kitchen Simplicity said...

As an encouragement I would like to say that when me and James were missionaries I struggled with this often... and yet it ALWAYS worked out and it always turned out better then I had imagined. We were able to do things and have things that we should never have been able to afford on our paycheck. God always worked it out and most of the time it didn't even make sense how... so I know that He will do the same for you! Love you and praying for you!

Brandy said...

Thanks for this post heidi! I know you guys are feeling the same way we are. I know god will provide for all of us through this slump! Love you