“It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, and bags.” Ahh, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. He finally got it. He realized why the Whos were so happy. They had love and a circle of friends.
It was Christmas time—a blur of excitement and planning. The happiest time of the year. But not for everyone. For many, times were tough. Maybe there was no money to shop, let alone bake. No home to decorate or family to visit. A loved one had died, and feelings of loneliness were rising. We may not all be in the same boat at the same time, but we’re all rowing, and storms are bound to come.
That’s the wonderful thing about God’s family. He brings us together, restores us, and loves us even when things look “Grinchy.” With the simplest of whispers to the Father, He hears and heals. When fierce winds and furious waves overwhelm you, God is there. He may not change your circumstances, but He can change your attitude.
God is the only source of lasting joy—not things—and He does hold us through everything. Sometimes, He even uses a friend to show us His physical arms, His smile of encouragement, or His voice of truth. As when Mary ran to Elizabeth for comfort in her time of distress, when David had Jonathan for companionship, and when Nathan the prophet told David hard things but offered encouragement. Our Father always knows our needs, even when our pain isn’t visible to others.
If you’re feelin’ kinda Grinchy, thank God for His indescribable gift of salvation, and let Jesus be your best friend. Gain a new perspective, like the Grinch. At first, he had a tiny heart, but when he was “enlightened,” it grew three sizes and almost burst. Love knocked him off his feet, and his newfound joy gave him strength to do the impossible.
God is love. Absorb this truth until it fills your heart. Then, go share His love with someone. Remember, compassion blesses both parties—and it’s free.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Cheryl Cunningham lives in New Jersey with her husband and four children. She is a stay-at-home mom who volunteers at a local crisis pregnancy center. She grew up in a Christian home as a preacher’s kid. Her love of writing was discovered following her first miscarriage when, through the loss of her unborn baby, a poem was born. She is the author of Holy Crap!, which can be found at http://www.blurb.com/b/4063210-holy-crap. She writes for the sheer joy of it and hopes to encourage others through sharing what God has done in her life.