I am not a big shopper. I am not a little shopper either. Let's be honest - I'm not a shopper at all! I get completely overwhelmed by the choices and the fancy signs that promise money off if I'll just fall in love with what is on the hanger. The thing is, I'm not sure I fall in love with what is on the hanger as much as I fall for the sign above it! But that's blog for another day. Today is about going to the mall.
There was only one thing that could get me to venture out into the traffic and crowds - Love.
You see, this week has been kind of a yuck week for my teenage daughter. Nothing really awful, just one of those weeks we all have sometimes. Today was the last straw...a friend was supposed to come over and at the last minute let her know he couldn't come. The look on her face was not so much sad as just - tired. She'd already had a rough week and now the weekend was looking pretty dismal as well. That was when I suggested we make a quick trip to the mall to pick up an item she'd had her eye on (and had a coupon for money off on! Hey, I did mention I'm a sucker for a sale!) She gave the standard, "I guess so..." but in just a few minutes she was ready to head out the door. I could tell by the increase in conversation this was just what was needed.
We made our way across town and managed to find a parking spot close to the entrance. In minutes we were inside picking out just the right color and size. We made our purchase and wandered to another store or two, just to look around. She suggested things that I might like, and I suggested things for her. For me, the best part was just being together....and the new look I saw on her face. It wasn't pure joy or anything, but I did see a little more spring in her step. Things were looking up.
We'd have stayed longer, but she got a call from another friend asking her to come hang out. Oh yes, things were looking up. We hurried home, and I watched her get ready for her girls night out and smiled as she headed out the door. I put on another load of clothes and settled down to think about today's blog on the Journey to Advent. All I could really think about was that trip to the mall.
There was really only one thing that could make me go to that mall...I did it for her. Love makes you do crazy things sometimes.
I guess that's really what Christmas is all about - Love. The presents we buy are to reflect our love. The lights and trees are done to see our children's eyes light up in wonder - it's done in love. The performances and trips to play in the cold - all are done for love. Christmas is a love story. It's the story of how the King of Kings left the beauty and riches of heaven to come to be born a human....because of His great love for us.
If in my human limitations, I can notice my daughter's face, how much more can He notice mine? I look and try to figure out what is wrong....He looks and immediately knows. I saw my daughter's want...He sees my needs. I just had to brave the mall...He chose to brave the sin of the world. I paid for an item on sale...He paid the ultimate price for me.
Today on this journey to Advent...I thought about love.
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
1 comment:
Awesome! I think the word I would use to describe this blog is "tender". Who knew a trip to the mall could display the tenderness of God! Thanks for posting Donna!
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