We’re a week beyond Thanksgiving in the US, a holiday of feasts – food, people, football and shopping. Opportunities for indulging our flesh abound.
While I believe we have no need to apologize for celebrating the goodness of God, we can certainly agree that we humans have a tendency towards excess, don’t we?
One of the best features of the Thanksgiving banquet table is the leftovers, which can be enjoyed for days afterward. Or at least until the enjoyment has been turned to groaning.
My mother in law’s sweet potato casserole is my all time favorite Thanksgiving dish, which also counts as my favorite dessert. And yet, after several days of all the sweetness, I just can’t eat another bite.
Pondering the truth of celebration and the consequences of excessive behavior got me thinking about the wisdom of God to set boundaries for His amazing creation.
Boundaries didn’t start with us humans, and it wasn’t until after the fall from grace that they were needed. Boundaries were set in place as a part of creation. God made divisions of space, land and water so that everything has a place suited for its dwelling.
Water only goes so far onto the shore. Space holds the sun, moon, and stars. And land is a secure thriving place for trees, plants and seeds, along with creatures that breathe air.
Once my mind begins to ponder, I can go on and on with the intentionality of God’s good design, boundaries and care for His creation. But I have only begun to scratch the surface of His detailed ways of creating balance.
I wonder what you’re thinking about during this season of reflection, waiting on the Christ child of Advent?
These are some of the questions I am asking myself. I would like to invite you to join me.
Where do I recognize a need for balance in my life?
Can I ever enjoy too much hope, peace, joy and love?
How will I focus on celebrating Christ?
What would you like to learn as you watch and wait for Jesus this Christmas?
Lord Jesus, help us to turn our focus to You and give thanks for the unending goodness You offer us each day. Let us remember to reflect on Your provision and protection. And help us to look for You in Your Word, in the quiet, in Your created beauty, and in worship. You are only deserving of our praise, for You alone are holy, holy, Holy. Amen.
Live Love Brightly,
Lisa
you ask questions that right now I don’t have answers to, questions that kinda make me feel a bit less than because I haven’t considered them before and I’m SURE that’s not your intention. seeing boundaries is a good thing, I haven’t considered them before in the light of waiting with hope. FMF12
Oh I sure don’t mean to make anyone feel less than. I apologize for not being clear that these are questions I’m asking myself. These are thoughts I’m pondering during this Advent season, and I’m inviting readers to join me. I don’t have all the answers either.
Thank you for reading and responding.