I fully intended to take the tree down when I got home from church. Well, the big one. I have others in various sizes.

Instead, I crawled into bed with a good book and read until my forty-something-year-old eyes glazed over and sleep overtook me. When I woke, I prayed, praised, and listened. And then...nothing. I didn't do anything. Actually, I went back to sleep, an unusual response for a major goal setter like myself.

After several days of doing nothing, I was humbly reminded that human productivity can easily get in the way of godly effectiveness. As my activity slowed, I became increasingly aware of what brings me joy. My husband's dimple when he smiles, the fact that after fourteen years together, he still makes me laugh. How much I enjoy cooking for my older sons when they visit, and reading with my ten-year-old at night.

At the moment, we're reading a book called The Wild Things. It's a novel based on the movie Where The Wild Things Are; full of adventure. With ornaments finally packed away, I arranged several pre-lit trees in our  family room around the stone fireplace; where all reading and marshmallow melting takes place.)

Tonight, next to a blazing fire, and in the midst of a home-made forrest, I'll replace the main charactor's name with my son's as I read aloud. I'll create memories that he will happily pass down to the next generation. And I will go to bed knowing that I was an effective Christian today, because I took the time to love someone and make them feel important.

As Christian women, it's important for us to understand that our effectiveness in the world extends from how effective we are in our own homes with our own families.

How effective are you in your home? Are you loving God's way?
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

If you're a survivor, you're first priority will be to seek God with all of your heart and allow Him to love you. Follow His lead and be willing to get professional help if needed. We can only give freely what we have freely received. Don't beat yourself up if you are knee deep in the healing process and overwhelmed by your family's needs.

Take one day at a time. Submit each day to God, and don't give up. The divine love that flows to you will oneday flow through you. I am living proof.