Meditating

The holiday break is almost at an end. The tree is out the door (what is the second happiest moment of the Christmas season? Putting up the Christmas tree. What is the HAPPIEST moment? Finally getting it down....!). The leftovers are gone from the fridge, the boxes are at the curb. And the routine is looming, right around the corner. BUT, I have challenged myself to focus on the good this year, so I am envisioning my mom friends at school, who I'll be so happy to see. I can already feel the hugs and the love, and it gives me a warm glow. I am, if I allow myself to see past the "getting up" part, happy to be getting back into a routine. I am certainly looking forward to going to church tomorrow and worshipping, and getting to sit at the feet of my ladies class teachers. Knowing that they are there to cover me and lift me up is such an encouragement. Even though I know that this year will be harder than most, not just for me but for many of my friends, I welcome the challenge. I do; faith doesn't grow or strengthen if it isn't tested. And the world around us can't see the defining difference that Christ makes in our lives any more clearly than when we are broken and He puts us back together again in His image. Honestly, it scares me to even type these words, because I know that Satan is more than happy to throw some Job moments at anyone who says they welcome them in Christ's name. Still, my God is the same today as He was yesterday, and He will be the same tomorrow. He will always be with me, and whether I have what the world considers good luck or bad, I will always be bathed in God's blessings and Christ's blood. And if that isn't focusing on the good stuff, then I just don't know how to do it any better.