Keep Stew In A Crockpot | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Keep Stew In A Crockpot | Previous Challenge Entry
By Diane L. Johnson
12/03/15
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My husband and I enjoy watching the Food Network Channel especially the show Chopped. The contestants are challenged to work with the same ingredients they receive in their baskets and make the best dish possible in a very short time (20-30 minutes). Honestly, that’s my personality. That’s how I like to roll. I like the challenge, but I also like it simple. And I don’t follow recipes. Why? I guess it’s the creativity in me and I don’t want to be bothered with being precise. (Now, I’m not bashing people gifted with chef and organizational skills! Jealous, but not bashing.) I prefer just to grab the Crockpot and throw in whatever I can find. You know, everything but the kitchen sink. Then I let my concoction stew for 4, 6, 8 or 10 hours. The outcome is usually pretty good.

What is NOT good is when you stew the wrong ingredients of EMOTIONS. Then there’s an “ew” in stew that smells and it’s not appetizing at all. Because simmering and steaming are for cooking in the kitchen, not in the heart and mind of people. Stew belongs in a Crockpot. And although the holiday can bring joy, with the wrong ingredients of fatigue, sadness, distraction, irritability and worries this my friend, is a recipe for disaster.

Personally, I struggle. Somewhere between sanity and the tasks ahead of me, I lose focus and control. I find myself caught up in the holiday extravaganza of the Christmas rush -- the lists, shopping, parties, family get-togethers and even church. I’m tired. I’m juggling. And my temper is rising as people get in my way (literally and figuratively speaking!). My patience, kindness and joy to the world is charred, blackened, overdone. Yet, here I am again with a goal is to do better. Find a way to keep and honor Christ in Christmas.

This year, reflecting on the beloved story of Jesus’ birth I realized that Mary and Joseph entrance into Bethlehem Town’s was not a one chapter holiday. The town was filled to capacity with families and animals milling around everywhere. People waiting in long lines to register for the Roman decreed census. Long lines for shoppers looking for food and lodging. Overcrowding meant no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph. I realized that no matter how well organized Mary and Joseph may have been for their trip, not a list nor well-intended plans made any difference at this point. They were exhausted, dusty, hungry, thirsty, achy and in a grave predicament to find shelter. Yet in all this chaos, they muddled through and God led them to an unconventional place of shelter for the birth of their son, His son, Jesus. Emanuel. God is with us. The Savior of the world.

All the Christmas carols are singing in my head. My heart is lifted. The revelation that the very first Christmas was far from easy, with unimaginable obstacles. Yet the multitude of angels were singing. The star was shining and guiding. All that mattered was God is now with us.

May this Christmas season fill you with peace and joy. Focus on the celebration, not the expectations. Stop and rest in the revelation, your salvation. For today in the town of Bethlehem, a Savior is born! Merry Christmas everyone!

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