After the Christmas wrapping paper has been discarded

I wonder if it felt like this after the feeding of the multitudes. The building has been cleaned and swept, boxes of gifts loaded into the cars, wrapping paper is stuffed into the cans, and the leftover turkey and brownies have all been divvied up. 

There are stories for next year. Saphronia’s nephew went into the ditch on the way up from Texas. It is true, Texans can’t really drive on ice or snow. He got muddy from head to toe trying to free his car. They made it in late, and he got to play “Dirty Santa.” (We advised our kids to stay home, as did Dad.)

Now, it’s time to get back to normal. (Aw, do we have to? People were so nice, so generous, forgiving, forbearing and loving!) No, I’m not ready for the time-stressed, mean and impatient spirit that usually prevails. May take us a few weeks to bring down our Christmas decorations because of that.

I believe heaven will be a little like this. Even better, because you won’t be broke and in debt from Black Friday! All over the New Testament the marching orders for disciples are laid out: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. . . Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Read the rest of Romans 12 to get a general idea of how discipleship should look.

Hope you all have a happy and prosperous new year. May you find grace and courage to deal with adversity, and celebrate God’s blessings every day.