Day 112

I recently heard one of my favorite pastors tell an incredibly awkward story about some people who overstayed their welcome in his home.  He and his wife were hosting a few couples who were new to the church in their home.  They shared the vision of the church with them, had a few snacks and then all of the couples thanked the pastor and his wife for having them and they left.  Well almost all of the couples.  One of them decided to stay.  The pastor tried signaling in as many nonchalant ways as possible that it was time for them to leave, but they weren’t getting it, so after a while he excused himself and his wife and they went to “check on the baby”.  They retreated to a private room and the pastor proceeded to ask his wife, “What is wrong with these people?  Don’t they get it?  It’s time for them to leave!  What do we gotta do to get them out of here?”  Then he noticed the baby monitor that was next to him.  The baby monitor that was on and monitoring their whole conversation.  Then he remembered where the other part of the monitor was.  The couple who could not pick up on the subtle cues that it was time to leave were now very aware that it was time for them to go.  They heard every word he said thanks to the monitor.

I just learned (thanks to Pastor Jelani) about a tradition they used to have in the middle east that really would have come in handy for this pastor.  It’s a sure fire way to let your guests know if you want them to stay longer or when you are ready for them to get going.  Whenever a guest arrived they would first be offered a cup.  The guest would drink what was in the cup and if the host refilled it that meant they could stay.  As long as the refills kept coming, the guest was welcome to keep staying.  But if the cup was emptied and stayed empty, it was time to leave.  If a host wanted their guest to know they were welcome to stay for as long as they wanted he would fill their cup until it overflowed, until it poured over the rim of the glass.  An overflowing cup meant you were a special guest, a loved guest, a liked guest, a guest whose company was so greatly enjoyed.

Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

Isn’t that so incredibly sweet?  God sets a table for us and fills our cup until it runs over, letting us know we can not wear out our welcome.  God doesn’t do the big yawn to let you know he’s ready for you to leave, or the look at his watch, or the scoot towards the door, or the clean up the veggie tray, or the “whelp, it’s getting pretty late”  because He’s not trying to get rid of us.  He enjoys our company.  He fills our cup until it overflows because to Him, we are special.  When you take your seat at the table God has prepared for you, don’t feel rushed, sit down and stay as long as you’d like… He prefers forever.

1. My cup runs over!
2. I can’t wear out my welcome at God’s table.
3. I have gotten so much out of Psalm 23:5 the past few days.  What an amazing verse.
4. Slept like a rock.  A full 8 hours!
5. Had time to make it to the grocery store before church today.
6. We have food again!  Fridge is full, pantry is full.
7. Gus & Beau played and laughed and were so ornery riding in the grocery cart together.
8. Beau kept asking Gus for hugs and kisses.  Hearing her say “kiss me” and “hug me” is so cute!
9. Got out all of our Christmas movies today!  Time to start planning Christmas movie nights.
10. Got to teach the five year olds at church about Daniel and the lions den today.
11. Gus’ teacher told me he requested prayer for his little sister’s knees.  So sweet he remembered she fell and hurt her knee yesterday.
12. Josh’s allergies were not bothering him this morning.
13. Josh thanked me for going to the grocery store.
14. Healthy lunch.  Time to get back on track… at least for 3 more weeks.
15. Gus’ little sound effects were the soundtrack to my afternoon.  He’s so good at gun sounds, robot sounds, and all the necessary boy sounds.
16. Found Gus a “Jake and the Neverland Pirates” ornament for the playroom tree.
17. Beau wanted a gingerbread man cookie for her new ornament… of course she picked something to do with cookies.
18. Bought our Christmas tree today.  I love going to search for the perfect tree every year.
19. House smells amazing.
20. My Pottery Barn Christmas ornaments that I bought with my Christmas bonus a few months before Josh & I got married.  They are still my favorite.
21. The vintage nativity scene my mom gave me.  She used to decorate with it when I lived at home.
22. Gus & Beau’s little people nativity scene.  Gus used to love carrying around Baby Jesus.
23. The fun of buying Christmas decorations after Christmas and forgetting what you bought until you get to get them out the next Christmas.  It’s like an early Christmas present.
24. Stockings have been hung by the chimney with care.
25.  Pictures from last year to help me remember where all of the decorations go.
26. Josh was a HUGE help to me today getting all of the Christmas stuff down from the attic, helping me put it all out, taking boxes back up to attic, making trips to wal-mart for lights, etc!
27. Gus’ Christmas spirit!  I love that little boy so much and I love that he loves all things Christmas like his dad.
28. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss.  That is one fun book to read out loud.

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