New year, new week, learning new things all take up time in busy schedules.  In the midst of all of it is the need to care for ALL, including the Spiritual part, of our own needs while still taking care of our "receiver."  When you add crazy weather into the mix it can be even more stressful - do we stay in or try to get to the meeting?  

The last blog asked what we were each bringing Christ as we celebrated Epiphany and the gifts brought by the Magi.  The last Devotional asked "what if" we actually did what Jesus was calling us to even if it was something new.  The "new" is what can cause the stress, create tension and might even require changes which cause even more stress.  At the same time I wonder 'what if' we were to 'bring' Jesus the gift of our time?  Maybe even 'bring' the gift of prayer and thanks?

Jesus took time, by himself in a "solitary place" (Mark 1:35) to spend time in prayer.  The Disciples would go look for him.  Does anyone ever have to come looking for us?  Are we spending time, building our relationship with God, in prayer?  Maybe even thanking God?  A different "what if"........  Something to think about.......... 

We hear it a lot during holidays, when families get together and other group activities.  We hear "what are you bringing?"  And, when possible, we can even say "what can I bring?"  Each person is bringing something different -- even if they are all bringing cookies they are different kinds of cookies.  It can be very interesting to watch as the various things are put out. 

Today is the day we celebrate Epiphany (which is actually tomorrow) and is actually the 12th day of Christmas.  No, I do not want all of the gifts we sing about with the song but it is a reminder that Christmas goes past Dec. 25th.  Epiphany is celebrating the Magi finding the Christ child and bringing gifts.  It is also a time for each of us to think about the gift we are bringing to the Christ child.

We don't know how many Magi there were.  We aren't even sure when they got to Bethlehem.  All we are told is "on coming to the house they saw the child" (Matthew 2:11 emphasis mine) and that they gave 3 gifts.  We don't know how far they came -- only "from the east," or how long they had traveled but we do know they were "seeking the "king of the Jews" and wanted to worship him." (Matthew 2:2)

Something for us to think about is.....  Are we still seeking Him?  Are we still trying to "worship" Him?  And, especially​, what gift are we bringing Him?