If I’m going to be completely honest my 3 favorite holidays are:
1. My birthday (yes, I am well aware this is totally selfish)
2. Christmas
3. New Years
Now, the first two are largely exciting to me because (again if I’m being honest) I get presents!! Each year about a month before both of these celebrations, my family asks for a list. Pinterest has made it easier to come up with a wish list about a mile long. I gladly include every piece of clothing for my dream closet, decor for my further mansion, art supplies for the insanely crafty person I’m about to become, Etsy pins galore (monograms, monograms, and more monograms), a puppy or two (one can hope), all the new fitness essentials I’ll need to finally shed those pesky 10 pounds, and of course the latest and greatest outdoor gear for the World Race. Then, I humbly hand it over to my parents saying, “Oh, just get me a few things off this list. I just put a lot on there so I will be surprised when my birthday/Christmas comes.” This statement is partially true, however, each year I find myself thinking back to one thing on that list that wasn’t wrapped up just for me.
This Christmas, it was a record player. Now, let me tell you why I NEED a record player. You see, about 9 months ago I went to a Drew and Ellie concert in Nashville. So wonderful!!! If you’re not familiar with them, please look them up! You can thank me later. Anyway, in was at this little local music store called Grimey’s, so naturally they were selling CD’s and records. Before the first song is even over, I know I want their album, so here is my thought process…
– Of course, I want the a CD or record!
– The CD is super practical and if anyone wanted to borrow it they could.
– But the record is so cool, and those are coming back right?
– Well, with this small of a venue surely they’re signing copies afterwards.
– Which would look cooler signed and in my room?
– RECORD!!!
So that is how I attained my first (and only) record. Therefore, OF COURSE I NEED A RECORD PLAYER! Otherwise, it literally just acts as beautiful wall art.
Before I get to the point of this story (and I promise there’s a great one!), let me tell you about my third favorite holiday…NEW YEARS!!! Why New Years you may ask? Well several reasons:
1. You have an excuse to wear a gorgeous, new dress and high heels!
2. Champagne (no further explanation is needed here)
3. It is a celebration of letting go of the past and forging forward with a clean slate! It is such a great holiday full of HOPE!
With New Years right around the corner, I’ve been thinking a lot about the things I want to let go of, and my main conviction has been about all of this STUFF…my lists upon lists of things Pinterest tells me I need, those Christmas and birthday gifts I think I am 100% entitled to, even my record player.
Now, I want you to take a few minutes and listen to this song by Jimmy Needham called “Clear The Stage.” < Just click! And really LISTEN!
…
Did the Lord put anything on your heart while listening to that song that might be considered an idol in your life? If not, I’d encourage you to listen again…we all have them.
Stuff
Addictions
People
Relationships
Pride
Money
Jobs
School/Grades
Family
Organizations
Rules
Food
Self Image
Approval
Maybe you connect to several of these as being idols in your life, but I want to ask you what one thing stands out? Yes, the Lord can redeem ALL of these areas. I can promise you that He is very much in the process of doing this right now! But I want to leave you with a challenge…
I want to challenge you as you enter in to 2014 to let go of something, one thing! Every time you reach for that thing, that idea, that comfort…turn to the Father. He is waiting patiently for YOU.
“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.” -1 Corinthians 10:14
