My "Uber-Private Open Diary"

There's a comedian with a blog entitled, My Secret Public Journal.

It got me thinking that's really what a blog is...well, at least what it can be for me.

In the interest of copyright infringement (or something along those lines...) I think I'll refer to this blog as my "Uber-Private Open Diary."  It's a place for me to share my most private thoughts...with the world wide web.

I'm glad that's out of the way and we can jump into today's blog post and all my openly private thoughts. 

This week I'm continuing to post on what I'm lovingly referring to as "The Christmas Crazies," and how we remember to keep the message simple and focused on Jesus throughout this season.

This morning I heard a story about a home group containing a few brand new Christians.  I was told that only weeks ago, the wife was dragging her husband to home group, now I understand the husband looks forward to group with eager anticipation, taking diligent notes and digging into God's word with excitement and joy- and the home group leaders are truly enjoying the Christmas season with this new couple.

It's a refreshing perspective, watching someone discover the truth of the gospel for the first time.  So many times the newest Christians are the most animated in their sharing, hungry to learn and ready for new experiences.  Every day is like Christmas morning for them!

I thought of that as I read Luke 1, following my own home group last night. Thinking through the moment when Mary, newly pregnant, comes to visit her cousin Elizabeth.  Elizabeth is beside herself, saying, "Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?  When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.  You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said."

I love the imagery of Elizabeth's words, of leaping for joy, simply because of the presence of Jesus.  

That's kind of how I picture so many Christians young in their faith, ones like the young couple mentioned above.  I can't help but wonder how many of us more mature ones are remembering what it's like to simply leap in in the joy of His presence.

I don't know about you, but since this is my "Uber-Private Open Diary," I have to confess I'm pretty wiped out right now.  I'm doing my best to not be stressed with everything on my plate this time of year, and remember "the reason for the season," but seriously...I'm tired.  Just thinking of "leaping for joy" seems to take extra energy I'm not sure I have.

Processing all of this now, I'm thinking that must be why God's put all of this in my path this week.  

He's repeatedly placed excited new Christians smack in the middle of my mundane stride, they are like happy, sweet puppies and I'm tripping all over their excitement to be a part of what God's doing.  I need to remember where they are...and join in with the blessing of joy and excitement just to be in His presence more often.  The idea seems sweet, warm and humble; to be honored by the companionship of our Savior.

It seems more pleasurable to abide in Him, relish in His company, and yes even muster the energy to do a little leaping.

So, in conclusion I'm taking a lesson from Mary and Elizabeth - enjoy the moment, be honored in His presence, puppies, and more...well....leapage.  Who couldn't use more of that?

See you next week, with another post from my "Uber-Private Open Diary."

H =D