Finding a Quiet, Secluded Place

Am I the only one who doesn't get up and shop early on 'Black Friday'? I'm sure I'm not, but you know, when all you hear about on the news and in the papers is about this Day of Days for shoppers, it's easy to have the feeling that I'm missing out. (Even though I don't want to shop today!) How crazy is that???

So why is it I'm enjoying the peaceful quietness of my house and my warm cuppa tea so much? If shopping today is all it's cracked up to be, I'm thinking tomorrow should be Thanksgiving Day all over again, so everyone can be thankful for the amazing day and deals they're experiencing today!

May I confess something? Lately I've been feeling like I'm 'out of the loop' and missing out on many things. I look around and see people who are moving mountains as their influence is changing lives and shaping culture. As I 'read their press', it's easy to look at myself and once again, come up not exactly loving myself to life as that killer called 'comparison' comes calling. The "I should...", "Why haven't I..."and "If only...." lies start to drown out the reality of who I am called to be. Their insidious voices speak to me and I listen before I realize what is happening. This day after Thanksgiving, as I'm on a journey toward Thanksliving, finds me searching for significance, once again.

And then I opened the Message Bible and began reading Matthew. I got to chapter 6 and read this in verse 6: ' "Here's what I want you to do: find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace." '

THAT'S IT! On this 'Black Friday', I once again get to choose if my thoughts and mind are 'black' with the lies that comparison throws my way, or get my mind and eyes back where they belong - on the Father Who created not only my physical self the way He chose, but gave me the gifts and abilities He wants to see released in worship back to Himself - in the way only I can.

Will you join me today in shifting our focus? It's not about shopping or not shopping, it's not about 'doing' or 'not doing' anything. Role-playing has no part in my relationship with my Dad. It's all about being with Him - and He'll pour out all the grace I need.

It's a good day to be Thankful, once again.