I was drawn to this decorative plate. Not so much because of the cute, little, red travel trailer; although that is exactly the kind I would love to have someday and I am sure my husband gets tired of me commenting on every small-sized trailer we drive by. I think somehow the quote mixed with the transient and temporary life represented resonated with me. I want to be home for Christmas, but have spent very few of my adult years celebrating the day with my parents. I want my sweet boys and their lovely wives and growing families to be home for Christmas, yet the reality of this is harder and harder as they voyage around the world to find their place of life and ministry.
My eyes settle on the stockings hung by our wood stove. The practical side of me wonders what to do with them when we pack up our life in less than 6 months. Should I nestle them in my suitcase to bring pack to Japan or do I store in them in our inaccesable attic. How many of our dear family will be with us next year for the holidays? Will it just be the 2 of us, so 2 stockings are all we need. Or should I take them all in hopes that we might be with someone, somewhere. It seems an odd issue to contemplate, but it is a real aspect of our always-unsure life.
It isn't an easy life. And as I get older, I feel it's toll on me; both body and heart. I have to grieve over and over, and lay my desire to be close and connected, humbly and often brokenly at the feet of Jesus. I have to relinquish and submit to what God gives, and doesn't give.
Through this Christmas song I was reminded anew of where my purpose and focus should be. The call to share Emmanuel with the world is costly. But it is never too much to pay. It is what makes my heart beat and why God has given me breath. It is the much more important than family close by. Even though parts of my weak, human heart long to gather those I love close to me, I know that sending them off is worth it. God's word says blessings will follow in this life and the next. So I obey in faith, relying heavily on His grace and help to joyfully follow where He leads. It is what we are here to do. Not to hoard and cling but to release and to give freely; to go ourselves and to joyfully send others to tell the world His name is Jesus.
