I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:16-19
“Is it ready? Can we now?” These were the questions from my 3-year-old daughter, Kam. This question came about every 10 minutes. My husband had completed the painstaking task of gathering all the Christmas decorations from the attic and she was excited to decorate. Unfortunately, it was the year the lights would go out. The tree was up, we were fluffing, and he replaced light after light, but the string of lights would not come on. In the meantime, Kam was digging through boxes, had her decorations lined up, and would ask ever so often, “Is it ready? Can we now?” It broke my heart after quite some time to tell her our decorating would have to wait for another day.
As I was walking through the living room to kiss her goodnight that evening, I glanced at the bare tree and noticed our stockings and one of Kam’s pretty, black dress shoes hanging from the bottom of the tree. I’m not sure when or where she got the idea, but it was obvious her heart was set on decorating that tree and what a beautiful job she had done.
I believe our Father in Heaven is as excited and adamant about an intimate relationship with each of us. In Ephesians 3:16-19, Paul prayed that the church at Ephesus would understand the depth of Jesus’ love. Can you hear Jesus asking, “Are you ready? Can I now?” He wants to bless you. He wants to know you. He wants to have an intimate relationship with you.
The picture of my daughter’s shoe on the tree is my simple reminder each Christmas season to keep my focus on those things most important. My relationship with Him, the memories with our family, and seeing my children grow in Christ as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Shannon Goodwin, Accounts Payable
