Last year at this time Jim and I were in Tuscan Arizona.  It was definitely warmer but we did get some snow!  This year we are home and find ourselves in the busy rush of Christmas preparations… and packing to move to a new home.  In this process we are downsizing.   As I separate those items I still value from those I will part with I think of a gift that was given to us that makes all things look like rubbish and worse yet, hoarding!  Yes, I’m a hoarder.   We have lived in our present home for 32 plus years.  I am grateful to be lifting my clinging hand from much of this rubbish and letting it go.  Jim and I have begun a trend and I pray I will stay strong and continue to change my needs.  There is really only one true need.

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, – Phillipians 3:8-9  NASB

     Ahhh!  That Righteousness which is only obtained through Christ by obeying the will of God!  When I dwell on this truth my hand lets go of items I grasp with sentimental attachment.  Its hard, I know, because we live in a materialistic world.  The stuff, we are told, matters!  And yet, I have discovered that it really doesn’t.  If I have to choose a loved one, or more than that, the righteousness of Christ I will let go every time.  I pray for this strength and endurance.  I know that this is a process.  Just as gaining the truth of God’s salvation plan is a growing , maturing process.  If it takes one day at a time that’s fine.  Perhaps when we get to our new home and find we have taken too much (I already suspect this as does Jim) I will release something every day until we are at peace with much less.  And may we continue to share our good fortune!

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. – Colossians 1:12  NASB

     Finally.  God does know what we need.  After all He did give us Himself incarnate in the form of man, on a Christmas long ago.  The. Best. Gift. Ever. He also knows we have physical needs as well.  What He asks is that we seek His kingdom first and foremost.  He gave us a narrow path that leads to light and life.  It’s narrow because the call of the world is great and many seek the wider path.  As we celebrate this joyous season may we truly dwell on what is the righteous path of God through Christ Jesus!  Merry Christmas to you all!!!

For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:32-34  NASB

Jim, Me and Hope