My gifts fell short of expectations…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”
John 3:16

My gifts fell short of expectations…
Nor did I get everything done I wanted to do. I don’t know whether I would say I ran out of physical momentum, mental energy, or everything in between. But some days, a bit stuck in between is exactly how I felt. 

In 2020 I wanted to get myself a few gifts-
A handgun
A motorcycle
A miter saw
A nice pickleball paddle. 

The plan was to spend 2020 becoming proficient at the use of ALL of them. 

My handgun would be mostly used at the range and only occasionally on uninvited intruders. 
I imagined myself cruising on the open highway with the wind in my face…
I saw beautifully mitered corners on new trim work and wood-accented walls throughout my home.
I saw myself traveling to pickleball competitions, making new friends, and plenty of enemies through competition. 

My visions were clear. 
My goals were specifically defined…
And yet…

I feel like I can’t blame a virus or a concussion…

Perhaps I was just widely short-sighted in what God had in mind for me. As I tried to focus in that realm…I ran outta time for my hobby explorations…Some days this left me frustrated and regretful because I couldn’t see the big picture of what God was doing…I wondered how I could be this old and this untrue to things I felt were important to me…

On days I let God prevail in my life, I could look back to see the few things that I did accomplish in 2020. 
My greatest joys each have a name…
Someone I was blessed to meet…glean advice from… work with…work for…have lunch with…long walks and talks with…plenty of cookies to share with…and just “BE” with…

As I look back- I see where God taught me to slow down so I would give Him the ability to guide me. 

There was a strong element of starting over…
I had to put aside the vision I had for my time and resources and decide how much I could trust my Savior to help me muddle through…
I had to decide if being like Him was more important than reaching my (poorly designed) goals. 

I did great some days and terrible on others…
And yet- with each week and a renewed opportunity through Jesus Christ to start over…

I’m a bit pleased with the gifts I NEVER received in 2020. 

-JC

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

4 Tablespoons soft butter
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed banana
½ cup mini chocolate chips

Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars together until well blended.  Stir in egg and vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Stir in mashed banana and chocolate chips.  Drop 2” scoops of dough on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Garnish with drizzled melted peanut butter if desired.
Let set.  Share!