Our family started a tradition last year of attending an amazing live nativity at a local church at the first of December (thanks, Marci, for introducing us to this!). Last night was the last night to attend this wonderful event. About an hour before we were leaving, Collin told us about a basketball game he needed to play in at 7:20 p.m. Okay--shift in plans. We decided to all go to basketball game to cheer Collin on, then rush to the nativity. It closed at 9:00 p.m. and we'd just barely make it but I was determined for us all to go.
Of course nothing ever goes as planned. The game before Collin's went into overtime which put his game way behind. At 8:45 p.m. I had the family go in the car and rushed to get Collin out the door right after the game. I went outside the facility expecting to find Steve and the kids with the car pulled up to the curb ready to go. Instead I found him and Kade pushing a stalled car over by our truck to jump start it (we'd taken two vehicles to the game). I got in my car with Brecken, Sage and Collin and left alone for the nativity. I hate to admit it but I was a tiny bit irritated inside (luckily none of my family could tell I was feeling like this). I looked around at the other dozens of people who were also leaving the game and thought, "Can't someone else help this lady? Why did Steve and Kade volunteer to do this when we're in such a hurry?"
Our family made it to the nativity and Steve and Kade made it 10 minutes later (there was a huge line so it was no big deal that they were late). The feeling there was incredible. We reverently walked past shepherds, wisemen, even a camel, donkey, llama and other animals.
Then we went inside the streets of Bethlehem and silently walked past a tax collector, pottery maker, carpenter, street vendors and lepers.
Suddenly an Inn Keeper came behind a door and told us there was no room in the inn. We then went around the corner and there was a beautiful site to behold--Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child in a simple stable.
With tears streaming down my face, the scripture from Matthew 25:35 came to mind as I stared at this beautiful child: "I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in."
I then looked at Steve and Kade and realized they showed pure Christ-like love just a few minutes before--"when ye have done it unto the least of these my brethern ye have done it unto me." I was trying to keep to a schedule and wanted so badly to make it to the nativity that for a moment I'd forgetten this important principle.
Today I've been more aware of the needs around me. I've been less in a hurry. I've been more patient. I've been a little kinder. I've been very grateful for last night's experience--for the nativity and the reminder of what this season is really all about.
Okay--so that was my little experience. I've learned throughout my life that a little humbling is always a good thing.
By the way, my outing with Cheerful Charlie this afternoon was delightful. We (Steve, Brecken and Sage went with me) went to his son's home and watched Sissel on a revolutionary home theater system (I've never heard sound like that before). Thanks for the fun time, Charlie.
Have a great weekend and remember the reason for the season.
With Gratitude,
Lisa B.
