So last night I had the craziest dream.
It was late Spring and yet we'd decided that we couldn't wait any longer---we wanted to decorate for Christmas. In my dream we hauled out all of the Christmas decorations (I think every decoration that was ever stored in my memory) and began spreading them throughout the house.
It was sure beginning to look a lot like Christmas---only it wasn't.
Instead it was hot. That's when we realized that because we'd decorated for Christmas we couldn't open the doors to cool off. Our early celebration was keeping us from enjoying summer.
Like I said it was a crazy dream...but it got me thinking.
Who would decorate for Christmas in May?
I mean as much as I love the holiday why would I miss sitting by the fire on a cool summer night to be wrapped in blankets by the tree? Just because I love hot cocoa doesn't mean I want to skip enjoying a few months of iced tea and ice cream (separately---not mixed).
And I certainly don't want to miss sandal season!!! (I just got out of shoes and coats)
No, as much as I love Christmas I don't want to celebrate out of season and miss Spring, Summer and fall and all that they have to offer.
Anything else would seem crazy....and yet....
Did it seem crazy when I was worrying last night about what will happen 7 years from now?
Does it seem odd to waste hours, days, or whole seasons of life wishing we were in another season?
You see, even though it seems absurd to fill your house with Christmas trees in May, aren't we doing the same thing when we're so focused on the future that we miss all God has for us today?
I have to admit that this dream made me repent. As I woke up I asked God to forgive me for worrying about tomorrow instead of being grateful for His amazing plans and provision today. I asked Him to forgive me for stressing over what was missing from my life rather that enjoying everything I've been given. I prayed that He'd help me obey the scripture:
"This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24
Perhaps today your facing the same struggle. Maybe fears or longings for tomorrow are stealing your joy and peace today.
I hope you, too, will choose to readjust your attitude.
Don't imitate my crazy dream, but instead remember that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Relax. Release tomorrow. And rejoice in today.
Just a thought.
