Pack it Up
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 3:13-14. As I began to pack up my Christmas decorations this morning I felt a little grief. Just thinking about the joy the lights, beautiful ornaments, and spirit of the holidays has given me has come to an end. I was a little hesitant to keep packing and slowed down my rhythm. Honestly I’ve only cleared off half of the tree to write this message and turned on my lights to feel the ambience one last time, well at least for this season. I reflect on the day of putting them up. Then taking a short video to share with family and friends on the gram. I remember the excitement of spending time with my family and friends in my home and in theirs, and going to my job’s annual Christmas party. The joy that I had in spending time with my son who was home from college. Now, we’re a week into the new year. It’s my last day off and my plan is to get these decorations back where they belong, in the garage. I’ve already started planning and preparing for this new year, but a part of me was not ready to let go of the past. When we say goodbye to things and let go of what was, we are also saying hello to new things and embracing what is. There is one word that sums it up for me, Faith. In packing up the old, I might have to let go of some of the things that no longer serve its purpose or have value; like a broken ornament, or lights that no longer work. That doesn’t mean that I’m letting go of everything, I can still keep the ornaments from my children’s first Christmas and store it all for the end of the year. Now those days are over and by Faith I can look forward to what’s next and have hope in what will be. Throughout my lifetime I have experienced the loss of people and things that are irreplaceable and provided happiness in those seasons. Yet, I have also been blessed with more experiences, wonderful people around me, watching my friends and family mature and grow, new relationships blossom, and continuously seeing God making a way out of no way. I have seen and witnessed miracles. My heart has been broken and revived, I have been disappointed and remained hopeful, prideful and brought down with humility. One thing I know with surety is that living in the past will keep you from enjoying the present and all of the wonderful things ahead. Each day is definitely a blessing and an opportunity to be grateful for the people and things around you. I hope everyone has a prosperous year. I pray that we all will hone in on our gifts and share them to bless others. Jenieka Jackson |