Making Room

My sister-in-law pulled out all the stops for Thanksgiving this year.

As her many siblings with families-in-tow descended upon her home, she flung the door open wide and welcomed us warmly. Our particular family was thoughtful enough to arrive several hours early, just in time for lunch. Cindy would not be daunted. More proficient than a short-order cook, we were feasting on grilled ham and cheese sandwiches in no time.

Cindy had clearly been preparing for us for days. The house was so clean it looked and smelled like new. While she allowed everyone to contribute to the Thanksgiving meal, she did all the hard stuff -- turkey, gravy, potatoes, stuffing, and homemade pie. As we sat on our duffs, she kept moving. When she wasn’t washing linens, she was organizing card games and movies to entertain her fussy guests. She also planned activities for the children.

Cindy raised the bar for me for Christmas. I’m now working feverishly to have things perfect around here.

A friend told me yesterday that she has organized her time from now til Christmas, carefully assigning every task to a specific day. This way she has made room in her schedule to accomplish all that needs doing in an organized fashion.

I’ve made room too. Room in my home for overnight guests and room in my freezer for an 18 pound turkey. But I need to clear a bit more room. The timeless Christmas carol, Joy to the World, reminds us to “Let every heart prepare Him room…”. So I’m trying to be intentional every day to make room for Christ.

A.W. Tozer reminds us that God has already made room and is waiting for us…

God meant us to see Him and live with Him and draw our life from His smile. He wills that we should push on into His Presence and live our whole life there.

A.W.Tozer, The Pursuit of God

I know I will be stressed for the next few weeks. After all, I'm a woman, and it's Christmas. But I have begun to calm down, and I'm thinking it has to do with my making room every day for Jesus.

Shepherds, please share with each other ideas on how you might be making room this season for Christ.