Blame, Belief

I've recently uncovered something about myself I'm not too happy about.  We all perceive ourselves a certain way.  Sometimes (at least with me) we're too gracious.  I have an interest in psychology and why people do what they do and how life experiences impact who they become.  A lot of times I include my family when analyzing my own life and trying to figure out why I do certain things that I do.  I discovered recently, when trying to change my eating habits, how undisciplined I feel.  Immediately I turn to things like the way I was raised or my schooling or whatever may have contributed.  Now, perhaps I wasn't going to blame ALL of it on these outside factors, but I certainly looked to the outsiders before considering myself.  Not cool.  Maybe I'm just neglecting the importance, and wasting energy finding someone else to BLAME, when I'm the only one responsible.  Really?!  Am I THAT person?  Thank God for revelation.  I mean, he'll show us if we ask him.

On a side note...Santa Claus.  Ha!  I overheard a co-worker talking to a kid at work about Santa.  What was this boy asking him for, had he been a good boy this year, etc.  I remembered  how my sister will tell my niece sometimes that Santa's watching and she has to be good or she might not get any gifts this year.  It's intense, how important Santa is to kids.  They spend their entire childhood looking forward to Christmas more than anything!  Until eventually... they'll notice that Santa's handwriting is the same as their parents... or Santa's favorite cookie happens to be their Dad's favorite cookie... or they don't HAVE a chimney... How did he get in?!  And then BAM!  Like a ton of bricks... in one moment, hope leaves.  I mean, by now (hopefully) they're old enough to realize life's not all about Santa and gifts.  However, I had a slight epiphany when I overheard this conversation.  What if the time we invest in making children believe (Disclaimer: not for or against teaching your kids about Santa.. just an analogy folks) in something FAKE, we invested them in showing Jesus' character.  Jesus is a bajillion times better and more awesome than Santa, but what do kids know about Him?  What do our friends and coworkers know?  Maybe just what they heard in Sunday school, maybe what Uncle Joey said?  We point to Jesus and point to Jesus... but what people perceive of Him will only be based on what they've experienced so far.  So instead of droppin' the name and being like God is good, thank you Jesus...  Show them his character.  Be specific.  What has he done in your life?  How has he made a difference?  Why is your life better because of Him?

Uhhh... He healed me of a disease.  He restored my security.  I am free and feel free because He's in my life.  When something insane happens in my life, I still feel anchored down because of His love for me.  I mean, just a few examples that don't touch the iceburg of His awesomeness.  So not sure exactly how I got that out of Santa.  But, Merry Christmas! :)