I think the reason i’ve been obsessed with decorating for christmas year is because it’s something I can control. we have to let go of control in lots of areas of our lives, all the time, and sometimes the urge to control comes back in strange ways. it used to be my eating. but i’ve given that up, glory to God. now I suppose it’s been creating this idyllic christmas atmosphere. 

God gave me this realization today because as we were buying the tree and decorating the apartment, I was slightly grumpy the whole time. I had a hard time giving up tasks to hunter. and I made him re-string the tree lights, poor guy.

when life feels uncontrollable and hopeless, these are the sorts of things we cling to. we take too much possession of them and lose track of the whole point of them.

the solution varies. sometimes we have to fight back for control in certain other areas of our lives. sometimes we have to realize that God is in control, and find hope in that release and in his great sovereignty.

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change; 

courage to change the things I can; 

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 

enjoying one moment at a time; 

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 

taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it; 

trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will; 

that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next. 

Amen.

reinhold niebuhr (1892-1971)

Lord, grant me the courage to change the things I can. 🩵