“Hey everyone, I want to apologize for being overbearing
yesterday. I was trying too hard to make a perfect memory for Aunt Jane. I
forgot that nothing is ever perfect and it would’ve been better if I had just
let things unfold naturally. The important thing was you all made the time and
effort to be there for her special day. I love you all and am so glad and
thankful to be part of this amazing family!”
This was the text I sent out to my loved ones after being a
control freak the day before. My two sisters and I had planned a special
birthday gathering at a restaurant for our eldest sister, Jane, who usually isn’t
in town to celebrate on or around the appointed day. Last weekend, however, she
had flown in to witness the graduation of our dear nephew from college, so we
hatched this party plan for the following Saturday.
Only trouble was, I forgot to get the Lord’s take on our project.
I overbooked myself the day before, then stayed up later
than was good for me. Consequently, I woke up late the morning of the event, which
kept me from my usual routine of spending time with the Lord before jumping
into the day. The stage was set for emotional disquiet and unmet expectations.
I over-organized everyone’s activities, buzzed around snapping
pictures people didn’t want taken, then waxed surly when others didn’t dance to
my tune. Hence, the need to apologize later for behavior which, while not
outrageous, certainly did not constitute my finest hour. I let the god of
hostessing make me forget that the sweetest thing I could do to honor my sister’s
birth would simply be relax and keep faith at the center of the festivities.
Like Martha, I lost sight of the fact that Christ’s presence makes every
occasion just right, with or without the trappings.
Fortunately, I have a loving family, and all was forgiven.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
~ Matthew 6:33
~ Matthew 6:33
No comments:
Post a Comment