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Tassels

             You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. (Numbers 15:39)

For a while when I worked at the library, I went to a florist’s at lunchtime on Fridays and got one “fire and ice” rosebud. I put it in the refrigerator and put my car keys with it so I wouldn’t forget to take it home. Some people put strings on a finger, or a rubber band on their wrists.  We decorate or homes or wear specific colors (or ugly sweaters) to commemorate holidays. The Jews were told to wear tassels to remind themselves of God’s commands.

It’s the time of year when I usually write about remembering what God has done in our lives. It’s also the time of year when I tend to write about the idea of decorating for Christmas by putting out (or putting under the tree) tangible objects that represent intangible gifts God has given us. After nine years of not having a place to do this, I have cleared the coffee table and gotten my three St. Nicholases out of the attic. They represent three parts of my ancestral national heritages. I’m not satisfied with it, but the nice thing is that I can keep adding. I’m considering how I might adapt the idea through the year.

If you’ve ever “not written something down” because you’ll remember it – then forgot it – you’ve experienced the problem. Our faulty memories are why we have signs to tell us the speed limit and what road we’re on. And it’s why I’m going to “nuke” the dog’s dinner. So my suggestion for this Christmas is to pick something that you can connect to and idea – perhaps something that will remind you not to be anxious, or to extend grace to your family, neighbors, or strangers you meet during the day. You could also pick something to remind you of what God has done. Ask God to use it to remind you.

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