Saturday, December 5, 2009

Counting Down the Days...Picture #5.

The other day I stood for about thirty minutes (no lie!) on this one aisle at Walmart. Sometimes I have a very hard time making decisions (so glad my hubby rarely reads this blog or he probably would have to comment!!!). Indecisiveness seems to be my middle name. I am always over "worrying" about everything, even the little things that have no significance in the grand scheme of things...


Like WRAPPING PAPER.


Yes, I have the hardest time picking out my wrappings every year. Why? I have no clue. I think I just want the wrapping to look like I cared about the WHOLE gift and not just what the box holds inside. I think I just want to say "I care enough, to give you my very best." Now I sound like a Hallmark card...


Of course, in the end, I still buy the wrapping paper for about 2.50 a roll. There is usually some kind of snowman design on at least one roll. And I try to find coordinating colors at the very least. I do make my own bows. But when I get it all home and look at my purchases I have to ask myself why it took me so long to make what should be a simple decision. After all, I see some ladies (and men) just grab the first one they come to. And they wouldn't be wrong, for my kids and my niece and nephews are not going to stop and look at the pretty packaging! They are going to tear into those babies as fast as they can and what was once beautiful paper and bows will be scattered all over the living room floor.


But, that doesn't mean that I shouldn't care, right? I may care too much at times, but giving each gift a lot of thought and then wrapping it accordingly seems right for me somehow.


As I'm typing this, I realize that I am speaking to myself on a much deeper level. My heart. What am I wrapping it in for the Lord? I am not talking about my clothing or hairstyle, although I think we are called to dress modestly and appropriately at all times. No, I'm talking about those other little things that seems so insignificant at times...our words, our thoughts, our dreams, etc...


In today's world, words that were once considered big "NO-No's" are used in every cartoon on Nick or Disney. Our thoughts, well we tend to think if we do not say them aloud, nobody will know... however, our actions often reflect our thoughts. What is sad, (and I put me and mine in this group too), is that it can be really hard to tell the Christians apart in this world. We are lacking in zeal, and enthusiasm and have become too much of the people pleasing variety. Maybe we need to spend at least thirty minutes everyday, searching for the right "wrappings" for our heart, instead of grabbing the first worldly package we see...


Hmmm...something to think about. I really was only going to laugh at myself about how long it took me to pick out my wrapping paper, and the fact that it isn't extraordinary, but then I was lead down another path. One that has certainly left me somewhat convicted. I want to be set apart. I need to be set apart. This holiday season was originally for me, for we are celebrating the fact that my Savior was born. My thoughts and actions need to reflect that in everything!


So if you haven't guessed already. in my Christmas picture countdown, the picture of the day is this...






Happy December 5Th Friends!


As you pick out your own wrapping paper this year, have a little giggle on me. Maybe it won't take you thirty minutes!!!


As you pick out your heart's wrappings, have a little prayer time with the Savior. (Thirty minutes daily at the very least.)


Happy Weekend!

6 comments:

Joyeful said...

What a wonderful word picture: choosing our heart's wrappings with care.

Beautiful.

Jim said...

Sis,
I cannot express with words how really proud I am that God "wrapped" you up for us. He picked out just the right design, and put inside the wrapping someone who has a beautiful mind and heart, as well. Your words convey a depth of understanding and commitment that make me want to hold up the "package" we got and shout, "look what God gave us!"

You are a treasure.

Jim-Dad

He & Me + 3 said...

Awww, I just read Jim-Dad's comment. What a gem he is. Precious.
I am such a cheap skate that I buy the Christmas wrapping I can use all year long...like just red with gold stripes or something.
I loved this analogy. You are such an encouraging blogger.
Hugs,
Mimi

Sharon Sloan said...

Half hour isn't bad really! :)

Each year on December 26th, my sister and I rise up early (we all sleep over my mom's on Christmas night after dinner) and go to the local Hallmark store and get Christmas wrapping paper for 50% off for the next Christmas. But I do enjoy looking at all the paper and making the choices.

Wrapping our heart and guarding our hearts....the wellspring of life. I pray He always holds my heart with His gentle hands. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm the same way about wrapping paper. I try to buy the paper for the person personality lol

Gretchen said...

You ARE a treasure, and I think your taking so long to make a decision means that you're thoughtful, too.