joy in being

Devotional thought of the day: I make stuff harder than it need be.  

This morning, Lily had a friend from school over to play for the morning.  From the moment I led Ashline in the door, Lily kicked into gear, blossoming into all she is, all that God made her to be.  She ran to Ashline, kissing her on both cheeks.  She then took her hand, helped her take off her shoes.  She sweetly pulled Ashline from room to room, softly telling her in Creole where she could go to the bathroom, where she could get a drink, where her toys were, thrusting a baby doll into her arms and running to get her a snack.   

I headed back to work, and when I came home a few hours later, they were both dressed in Lily's best dresses, feeding each other snacks, giggling and putting barrettes in each other's hair.  When it came time to walk her home, Lily held her hand the whole walk, and kissed her good-bye and thanked her.  

There are other gifts Lily does not have, but giving people cake gives her oodles of joy, washing Sofie at bath-time delights her,  and caring for others comes as naturally as her love for sweets or ponies.  God gave Lily her heart, and quite naturally and with great joy, she does what is natural and joyful to her, which I believe brings Him great joy, as well.

So, I am His child, as well.  As are you.  And to each of us, He has given gifts.  Not gifts for ourselves, but to be given back to Him.   

Quite unexpectedly throughout the day, several moments of peace and joy in the midst of ministry reminded me of some of the gifts He's given in me.

But I'm always worrying so much about what I should be doing, what I could be doing, what more I might be doing, and today, upon watching Lily and upon graciously seeing my own self through His eyes, He reminded me.  

Reminded me to stop worrying so much about everything I'm doing and how, and instead, to just be His.  To just be who He made me to be.  The very best that I can.  And to ENJOY His gifts...as He enjoys seeing them in my life.  To find joy in just who He made me to be, and to focus my time and efforts there.

Praising Him for His gifts this Christmas, and for His Father love that bids us to embrace them and give them back...with joy!