Do You Have a Moment?

I love Christmas! Along with Andy Williams, I too think, “It's the most wonderful time of the year—With the kids jingle belling—And everyone telling you be of good cheer—It's the most wonderful time of the year!”However, in all its busyness, Christmas has the potential to be so chaotic that we miss the calm it actually represents. We have a choice; we can be part of the monster or the moment.If you’re like me, you avoid the Black Friday crowds and pray you don’t get invited to one more white elephant party. Or maybe like many others, you shop until you nearly drop and leave no empty space on your calendar.Where do we find the balance? How can we be intentional about creating moments this season rather than dodging or overlooking them?1. We create moments on purpose.

There’s a story in the Bible where you might say Jesus went out of His way to help someone find her way. In doing so, He created a moment. 

“So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He HAD to go through Samaria on the way.” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:3-4‬ 

Geographically there was a way around Samaria, but for Jesus, there was no way around it. His purpose was to save the woman at the well and the people of her town. He created a moment on purpose.

What is your purpose this Christmas? Maybe it’s starting new traditions with your kids, reconciling with a loved one, or helping someone less fortunate. Find your purpose, not a way around it. Create moments on purpose!

2. We create moments when we rest.

“... Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water..”‭‭ John‬ ‭4:6‬-7

The story of the woman at the well began at the very moment Jesus sat down to rest. Had he not taken a break, the moment that changed her life forever would have been missed.

Slow down long enough to notice the moments before they pass you by. Take mental pictures to store away in your mind and recall when you need them later for a smile. Appreciate what’s right in front of you.

3. We create moments when we break barriers.

“..and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:7‬

Here Jesus does the uncomfortable. He breaks cultural barriers by speaking to a Samaritan. We see that sometimes in order to create a moment, we have to tear down a wall.

What barriers can you break this Christmas? Maybe you need to break the barrier of reclusion and RSVP “going” to a few more parties. Perhaps you need to break the barrier of perfection and realize your presence is more important to your family.

Ponder on this story this Christmas. Jesus teaches us not to avoid or rush through our moments, but to create them!

Do you have a moment? Sure you do! It just might take a minute.