One of my favorite things about Christmas is seeing what makes people's eyes light up. A nice chisel set for my brother-in-law Matthew, a best aunt ever mug for Auntie Roi, spring training Yankee tickets for Grampy, and books for Nana... each gift a small glimpse into the person and what means a lot to them.
My favorite part by far was meeting my nephew Auri. This sweet three-year-old captured my heart from the moment we met, but it wasn't until I got down on the floor to play with him that I began to capture his. We played cars, train, Batman, and fire trucks. I crawled in and out of the pop up castle tent more times than I can count. At nap time, when we were supposed to be sleeping we may or may not talked about all sorts of things. (Shhhh. Don't let anyone know.) Later in the afternoon, Auri ran up and gave me a spontaneous kiss on the cheek. More than any words can communicate, this small gesture told me I was 'in'.
Living your best life is one that is shared. There's something wonderful about entering someone else's world, learning what makes their heart happy, and sharing it with them. One of the greatest gifts we have to give to each other.
Here's to sharing life today and all year long.
With the big warm up to 23 degrees today, I got out for a run with Leia. I came around the corner to a familiar sight this time of year, as two UPS people darted out of a truck, parting ways to make their deliveries simultaneously. What was a bit unusual about the scene was the Penske truck they were jumping in and out of. I almost stopped to ask why; then figured whatever the reason, the delivery justified the means.
They don’t stop. They double team. They get whatever truck is needed. Those Christmas gifts are promised to arrive and they will make sure that happens.
It reminded me of this verse in scripture…
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 5:16
God our Father’s gifts are coming down to us. He is sending good and perfect gifts. He never changes. Whatever is needed to get them to us, we can rest assured - they’re coming!
Many of us are waiting and asking.
I hope the image of the Penske truck encourages you today. Your good gifts are coming. Surely they will chase you down and be delivered. They may not come in the way you expect; don't give up hope.
Living your best life is not only the arrival of gifts - it’s the anticipation… it’s the relationship… it’s the reassurance that the one who created all the heavenly lights is looking out for us.
May your life be full of all the good gifts from your Father. And the best one of all, Jesus. Merry Christmas!
'Tis the season of incredible kingdom joy, in a society and culture that seems to pull us in a million directions this time of year. My daughter's favorite Christmas song seems to capture the chaos well... The Christmas Can-Can.
After watching that you are either laughing hilariously (as my daughter) or annoyed by how true it is and having one more thing that has now interrupted the peace of a beautiful Jesus holiday (as me).
Once again, as I navigate the season and try to retain my sanity and worshipful heart... I consider what's important today. Maybe it will help you as well.
1- Be intentional. Use your 'yes' and 'no' without apology. Block out time for the things you really enjoy during the season.
2. Lead by example. Whether it's your children or the people you work with, realize the influence you have as we celebrate the season. Consider how you carry the meaning of the season by your choice of activities, words, attitude, and actions.
3. Keep it simple. Build in a little more margin in your life and enjoy the peace it brings. Look at ways to let go of expectations you have that are not really essential.
4. Presence is the greatest present of all. The birth of Jesus was God's presence here on earth. Likewise, the greatest gift we give to others at Christmas is our presence. Our core desires are for love and connection and that is something that can't be bought at a store or wrapped and put under the tree.
Living your best life doesn't happen by accident. Be purposeful in living your values. Cuddle up on the couch and read books together. Enjoy your tea and a Christmas cookie. Invite someone over for dinner and good conversation. Walk in the snow. Live meaningful, significant moments.
Photo credits to my little friend, Omarian, and the ornament he made for me last Saturday evening as we spent time around the table together.
May this be a truly wonderful holiday season for you and your loved ones!
Last weekend was my daughter Natalie’s birthday… her “Sweet 16” as my little romantic put it. In the months and weeks leading up to it, she kept referring to this monumental birthday event. There were talks about trips and such… like way more exotic than I was going to be able to pull off.
With the passing of time and further conversations I got her off the trip idea. However, all sorts of pressure was slowly mounting inside me. This girl has a big desire for a significant memory and I have no idea how I’m going to make that happen.
The hardest part of it all was balancing what might give a temporary thrill, but then really be nothing substantial to it. I didn’t want to provide a “cotton candy” experience that gave a rush like a sugar high only to leave her feeling empty on the inside after it was all over. Ultimately, I believe what she was craving was significance not sparkle and glam. And that’s a unique gem to find in this world we live in that hypes up consumerism and appearances.
I prayed about it. What could it be? What was going to satisfy that innermost desire?
On a run one day, I got it. A guitar. This was something we have talked about over the years and something she’s always wanted to play, following in the footsteps of her dad.
This was the gift that would remind her of who she is and who she is called to become in the world. Someone full of life and love and song. A gift for her to enjoy and one she can give to others. A lasting gift.
The Alvarez was a huge surprise. Beyond the thrill of nailing a great gift and surprise, it was such a deeply satisfying moment for me as a parent. I was able to push through all the worldly definitions of entertainment, frills and thrills, and tap into the real thing. And lead my daughter there.
Living our best lives takes energy, perseverance and getting to our core desires. It’s realizing how satisfying it is to know our significance and purpose and calling it out over and over again.
With that said, we did celebrate with unicorns and rainbows too. And it made it all the more fun, because we put first things first.
“. . . You can’t get second things by putting them first. You get second things only by putting first things first.” —C.S. Lewis
May you find in yourself your deepest places loved and growing. And may it be the gift you give to the people around you. It’s worth it. Then, celebrate it. Be a unicorn or whatever is fun for you. Go live your best life.
