The Gift of Time
Who could know that one of my “favorite things” would be the gift of time? I recently was reminded of what a gift time really is.
Having recently completed a season of intense, dedicated study for a work project, I find myself with the gift of “space” where several hours of daily studying (and my most intense mental and emotional energy) have existed for several months. What to do now that the project is complete, the intensity is gone, and demands (aka “opportunities”) are making their way back in? Life, like an empty closet, abhors a vacuum- something (probably my own inability to say “no) will work to fill the void.
Recognizing that this IS a gift of space, I seek to align my commitment of resources of time, talent, energy, passion and treasure around the answers to these questions:
1). Does this commitment of (money, time, energy, engagement...) utilize any area of strength/ gifting; will my involvement make use of how God made me to be in this world? Will I have a deep and relevant impact?
2). Does this (cause, group, mission...) energize a passion of purpose in me? A “good thing” is not always “a good thing for Laura to be involved in...” I seek discernment, especially when it’s for a good cause, but it’s up to me to say no to the good thing.
3). Where in my life will _______ fit? To what will I be saying “no” if I say “yes” to this new thing? How will this affect my loved ones and current commitments? Do I have capacity (or even WANT) to add to what is already here?
**These are not questions I have asked before when I’ve thought about doing something new in my life**
To guide my Advent season of pause and prayerful discernment, I will be reading Whitney Simpson’s devotional, Fully Human, Fully Divine as a guide. My natural tendency is one of energy and action, so some guidance around this concept of “pause” is probably in order.
My prayer for each of us is that this will be a season of clarity, peace, and intention- that we will find a new passion of purpose while also resting in the pause the Advent season offers to us.
Tennessee Taco Soup
by Our UM Table
1 lb. ground beef
1 can corn with red and green bell peppers, drained
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 package (1/3 cup) brown gravy mix
2 tbsp. mild red chili power
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried minced onion
½ tsp. garlic salt
12 tortilla chips, coarsely crushed
1¼ cup elbow macaroni
Brown ground beef in a large saucepan; drain grease. Add spices, chips, macaroni, and 8 cups water. Heat to boiling. Stir in corn and tomatoes. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add additional water and seasoning as desired.
