Pastor Heather delivered a message yesterday that I felt was worthy to share with you…in my own words but using her foundation and premise. It’s about the “gifts” we find at our doorstep every morning and which ones we will choose to open.

The other night, I was sitting in the living room, reading emails and preparing to write my post. The fire was going, the Christmas tree was lit, and carols played softly in the background. All was right with the world. I get a weekly email telling me all the grand and glorious skills Alexa can do for me and it’s fun to read what’s new. 

I found out, I can ask her to read the latest sales on Amazon and, with a word, order something…sight unseen. Have you ever bought something and had it delivered to your door, only to discover it was a HUGE mistake? It looks hideous, it’s the wrong size or color, or…maybe…you just realized that spur of the moment purchase really wasn’t worth the money you spent. You either stuff it in a closet…NOT recommended…or you go through the laborious process of sending it back.

Just like the ones from the UPS man…we get “gifts” delivered to our doorstep every single morning. Some we’ve ordered. Some we haven’t. Things like anger, depression, anxiety, insecurity, shame come right alongside joy, health, security, trust, peace, and confidence. And, every single morning, we have to decide…which boxes are we going to open and wear that day? Is it going to be an “Ugly Sweater of Shame Day” or a “God’s Got This Confidence Day”?

Yes…I know. Depression is real. Anxiety is real. They are very real challenges and we don’t always have control in when they arrive, but we do have some control in how we wear them. Feelings don’t always serve us well and Pastor Heather stressed we should not make the decisions of our lives based on them. 

I may not feel like doing my chores around the house. Neither may Mr. FixIt. But if we make the choice not to do our chores, the house will soon fill with dirty dishes, laundry, and garbage. There will be no food in the cupboards or no bills paid. Whether we like it or not, we have to do things. When we can hand things over to God and return to sender those boxes that do not serve us, we live beyond our feelings. And that’s where productivity and satisfaction lie.

This IS a bit of an over simplification, but it is an extension of my thinking in yesterday’s post. I spoke about my memories of my father and how they relate to Christmas. I’ve decided not to wear the “Robe of Blame and Shame” that he continually gave me. I’m sending that one back.

So…which boxes are YOU going to open today? And which ones will you be sending back?

❤️

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17 NIV