What I prayed for on Christmas Eve
I check UV levels, tide times, and traffic daily. I'm not THAT tightly-wound, but there are many factors to consider to give one of my children his best chance to thrive. I try to get out early, before the heat and crowds, and get back home while the rest of the city starts their day. We go outdoors again once the heats lets up. I always have a plan A, B, and C (at least) and am ready to pivot on a dime. I pray while I take deep breaths through my own over-stimulation, "God, show me where to go today."
Cape Town's almost-five-million population swells by another half million during the holidays. This bucket list city offers unlimited entertainment. I track events to know where not to go. It's great for tourism, but tricky for autism.
On this Christmas Eve morning, the excitement was rightfully high in my house. I took a deep breath and prayed, knowing someone would explode if we didn't get out the door in four and a half minutes. The UV index is 13 today... I used to think it only went up to 10! And every one of those 5.5 million was going to be out and about in Cape Town.
I've learned to trust that God always answers - even when my prayers are reactive and my last resort. The first idea that popped into my mind was a museum we've visited before. Without thinking about it again, we loaded up and were off. We got to see a show at the planetarium and make a quick pit stop at Mom's fave chocolate shop for coffee (and steamed milks). I shamelessly ate a dark chocolate truffle in front of my sugar-free children. It was for everyone's good... but that's beside the point.
The point is this... It's Christmas Eve! We are all standing on tiptoes, peeking over into that eternity-changing day with charged emotions. The Light of the World came in the most humble package. He's not too busy, even today, to help me plan a morning. He shows up to our normal lives when we ask Him to. Sometimes through mountain-moving miracles. More often in ultra-normal ways, like fleeting thoughts of a museum and dark chocolate. (It is very, very good dark chocolate.)
If He'll show up in a stable, He will show up in the van. If He showed up for me, He'll show up for you.
Whatever Christmas is or isn't for you this year, take a breath and invite the Light of the World to shine out the shadows. It's His nature.
Merry Christmas, beloveds. You are inherently valuable.
