In the Midst of Dragons

 

I found myself a bit confused at the end of the day when I came upon this yard. At one corner was a small inflatable lamp post with a sign pointing to the “North Pole”. The yard was filled with Christmas lights and Jack-O-Lanterns and dragons of various sizes and ferocity. I was suddenly dazed and confused as to what month it might be, what holiday it might be and where I might have landed at the end of a long, busy day. This yard seemed to be a frenetic mix of everything at once. Of course, I liked it very much.

Sometimes life can feel this way, can it not? I am amazed at how we can experience so many emotions at once. We can feel so blessed in life, yet feel the burden of responsibility in very real ways. We can be filled with joy, yet know the effects of the stress of our troubled times. We can be excited, yet fearful. Faithful, yet struggle with doubt. Life can sometimes be like my neighbors yard, a little of everything all at once, fun and confusing at the same time.

In the letter to the Philippians we read this advice:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

In the midst of all the confusion and chaos that is life, we can find our solid ground by thinking on things of beauty and truth. In the midst of the dragons, there is always the light of Christmas to be embraced.

Peace.