Do you see it?
I didn’t. The day after Thanksgiving we went out early to get a Christmas tree. And let me say this now: I’m not a shopper. Whether it’s for clothes, food or Christmas trees. Thank you, but no thank you. I would rather have somebody choose it for me. And so I left my husband to make the final decision while I went to watch the children play.
After they tied the chosen tree to the top of our car we went home and set the tree up. My husband was pulling the branches down and spreading them out when he noticed this sweet little nest sitting deep within. It was awfully fragile so we assume it was quite old. But such a beautiful image. Here we had gotten a tree to bring home and decorate and it was already decorated for us. This thrilled my one daughter to no end as she is a bird enthusiast.
I’m so thankful my husband had more care for what he was getting. I can guarantee I would not have picked out the same tree because my time was more important.
*sigh*
How often do we rush through the process? Maybe it’s while going through the checkout lane at the grocery. How often do you look for the beauty that is within? How long has your cashier been standing there? How many grumpy faces have passed them by not even making eye contact? Your neighbor? Maybe take them some cookies this week and spend a few minutes chatting? Not the neighbor you talk with on a normal basis. No, that one neighbor that never seems to have visitors and never seems to smile {even when you wave}. Move away those prickly branches and seek out the beauty deep inside. Possibly they have forgotten that they contain a seed of beauty that is in desperate need of attention.
As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, as we continue to learn more about Him, shine the light of Christ to those around you. Stand out from all the holiday hubbub. Convey that time is the greatest gift we can give to one another.
Blessings!
