Seasons Teach

Ummm ... I just passed Santa on a sleigh cycle at a gas station ...

It's one of those sights that make you go hmmm...

It made me ask, "Who is that? And WHERE is he going?" And as I'm typing this in a library parking lot, not even 5 minutes after seeing Sleigh Cycle Santa, a lady with a Santa hat has walked up to the book drop to return some books.

Is there a special convention happening 'round here at this time?

Ha! Then, preparing to leave the library parking lot, I've turned my music back on only to be reminded that I've been bumpin' R. Kelly's "Christmas, I'll Be Steppin'" on repeat.

I guess all signs are pointing to a certain theme and time! A time when it makes sense to see a Sleigh Cycle Santa, a random lady wearing a Santa hat, oodles of Christmas lights, decorations, and snow covered lawns. Duh, Nikk! It's the middle of December!

Did Somebody Say "Up Chuck"???

Much like seasons bring certain signs and call for certain progressions, I know most are familiar with an experience as unpleasant as up chucking (I know this feels like a jump, but just stick with me so I can bring this piece full circle). You know you're gonna' up chuck when your stomach doesn't feel right; then your mouth gets uncontrollably watery, right? You do what you can to keep the flood gates closed, but still up and out it comes, yes? I've hated those times because there's really nothing you can do but just let things take their course so you can get to the other side of the grossness.

Well, such is life.

I'm Still Hurting

Kwesi and I talked about some things this morning, which I found that I was still hurting about. The cool part was that I didn't try to cover up the fact that the pain was there once I realized it. I tuned in to what Kwesi was saying to try and help me understand the parts I could've played in the different situations going sour. It didn't feel good, and the process I was internally experiencing, I kind of wanted to rush through to get to the other side of (like the up chucking). But as I cried through it, I was glad that my inner response was also accompanied by my direct plea to God, asking Him to help my heart. I didn't want to hold onto any ill feelings toward anybody involved in these matters, including no ill feelings toward myself for being a possible part of the problem.

So, as the morning continued, and my family prepared for breakfast downstairs, I got up to join in, trying not to be the Debbie Downer of the bunch but to be as natural and honest in my inner dealings while staying present with the activities of the moment.

Stay Present

This whole "stay present" counsel is actually a thing, I'm finding. I've heard others encourage those who've been grieving, or depressed, or anxious to "stay present", and I'd never really given much thought to its grave importance. However, recently I've found myself purposely staying present so that I don't give anxiety the satisfaction. And it's been doing well for me.

I've also been hearing God deal with me about why this is a thing, and it's come forth that when we remain present -- not allowing ourselves to sulk in regrettable past events or be afraid of future moments -- we ride nicely in the pocket of the here and now. And for the Christian, our here and now rests in the hand of God. It's like a child (in an ideal situation) not having to worry about what clothes he's gonna' wear or what his next meal will be ... he just goes about his day knowing that he's been entrusted to adults who love and will care for him and his needs. I don't hear my children asking me about how much our bills are or how the budget is looking for the month. This is because they don't have to care about these things yet. They're kids being kids!

And when I can take and keep this posture, knowing that I'm God's kid and that His plans for and mind toward me are just what they need to be, I can honestly relax and trust Him to guide me appropriately.

So, when things occur that I don't understand, or when circumstances and relationships get sticky that, in my mind, I had no ill intent regarding, I have to trust that staying present with God will keep me walking as I should, being as I should, thinking as I should, and loving as I should.

Oops! Upside Yuh Head

The signs, indicators, and landmarks on the highway through life will slap us upside the head every now and then; however, staying present with God will, at some point, align some of these things so we can see where they were pointing all the time. And the other ones that we may never quite be able to put together ... well, that'll just have to be well with our souls because we're not all knowing anyway ... we know who is though ...

So, the next time you see a [metaphorical] Sleigh Cycle Santa, keep your eyes open and your heart in the hands of The Righteous Handler ... He'll ensure that, when necessary, you'll be able to reckon with the indicators, themes, and timing He wants to make clear to you. And this will not just be for your sake but for the sake of others too.

Merry Christmas