Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer... Oh, that we could always see Such spirit through the year...
What I’m learning from Pig-Pen
As we snuggle up to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” I realize there’s a lesson to be learned from Pig-Pen. We all leave a trail behind us, an unmistakable cloud that surrounds us. The question is, what does our cloud look like? Pig-Pen’s cloud is visible, but so is ours. What are we giving off with every word, every action? Are we stirring up dust and dirt, bringing down the aura around us, or are we emitting an uplifting spirit, spreading happiness and joy? Could it be, this is what it means to bring heaven to earth? What if we lived every moment like it was our chance to create heaven? If we took just a second before speaking and acting, to determine if we have the chance to make heaven real?
We can only have one or the other, heaven or hell. If we become more intentional and consider first, would our actions change? What if all we focus on is the cloud around us? What would we see? Would we be able to see past our aura as we radiate joy and goodness? Or would we get caught up in looking down because we can’t see past the dirt and grime?
Embracing today’s reality
In these mixed-up times, I catch myself wishing things were different; I realize I have to stop and evaluate. Could it be we aren’t created to wish away this life, whatever it looks like? In Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist declared, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” He wasn’t prophesying about the end of time. A time when earth as we know it will end, and we will go to a perfect place. He was announcing the arrival of Jesus Christ to earth! “The kingdom of God has come near.” Jesus brought heaven down. He didn’t spend a short, miserable life complaining about all the sin and tragedy here, saying He couldn’t wait to leave this horrible place and go back to His Father. No, God brought heaven down.
Jesus showed us how to live and enjoy life. Not only to reap eternal life but also life on earth! He showed us what heaven looks like. He lived, He loved, thoroughly and openly. His life on earth was far from miserable! He created a network of friends, community; laughing- eating- drinking- loving-living- Heaven on earth. I see sparkles of joy just exploding around Him!
Choosing joy
Continuously we have the choice- create heaven or hell? Not an ultimate destination, but in this moment. Jesus Joy or Pig-Pen Filth? Pig-Pen makes it easier for me to analyze my every action. Although I often fail, I strive to live every moment in thanksgiving, emitting joy and gratitude around me everywhere I go, bringing heaven to earth. That’s the beauty of recognizing moments; we keep getting redos! In this holiday season, which likely looks very different from previous years, let’s remember we have the opportunity to create joy!
As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love...I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:9-12