clear -
- Clear -
In order to bring christmas in, I must clear some space.
Every corner I consider for a fresh cut tree is already full.
Every space occupied.
Every wall spoken for.
Mary, Joseph and the babe have no where to rest and wait with me.
Every shelf is taken.
Every surface covered.
I scan each room and consider what I must clear to make room.
I drag furniture to new spots, rearrange tables and lamps but in the end,
I must also remove things.
The only way to bring the light of christmas in is to clear other things out.
The now empty corner feels odd, yet I find myself breathing deeply at the sight of an empty space. It stands open, ready and waiting. This is the feeling I want in my spirit, soul and body as I enter the Christmas season.
The same proceedings propel my search for a place to display porcelain figures. From heavenly beings to men of nobility, to the lowly unseen, to an ordinary young girl and her new husband, even smelly animals - all need a place to bow and worship the holy babe. Will they find room in my home?
Again I realize I must clear away things that hold a place of value to me. Items I deem beautiful or necessary, or treasured are packed away and removed. I dust and vacuum places I’ve prepared and consider my heart.
What needs to be cleared? What is being occupied by things that compete with space in my attention, my time, my money and my love?
Some of these may be able to be rearranged, but others will simply need to be cleared away for a while. Cleared if I am going to truly give my heart room to contemplate and enjoy the beauty of Christmas.
I must clear some things if I want to make room for The One thing that matters most.
I’m asking my Father what to clear.
My calendar comes to mind. Am I willing to surrender time? Things that occupy the space of time, may need to be rearranged or even removed. Even moments left clear of noise can become moments of hearing God’s voice.
Money and my plans for how to spend it are open to consideration. What should I clear from my shopping list Father? I want there to be room for You to move my heart to give resources as You direct me. My hands Lord- let them be open, relaxed, clear.
Are my holiday expectations open to change? Traditions can be a familiar comfort, but I hold them before You Father to clear what may be holding me from new experiences.
