Are you a naughty little monkey?

Monkey's hanging from the dining room chandelier. 2015

Every year in the month of December we do a different kind of "Elf on the Shelf". We use a stuffed penguin that teaches about Jesus everyday. It is so fun and I look forward to the themes and creativity it takes to keep it fresh. This year I chose Christmas songs to be the focus. So everyday the penguin (named Pete) does something to reminder her of a Christmas song then he sends an email with a quick lesson and a video of the song.

Now many people are anti things like this for several reason, one being too much work. This year I have learned something from my little penguin friend. I have discovered that I learn from him too. I know it sounds funny (and in truth it is). Since every night I write a lesson on Jesus, I have come to the conclusion of how little I spend thinking about the simplicity, depth and creativity of our God. Taking time every day to make God's love real to an 8 yr old in her language with a song theme, has done wonders for my faith. 

For example last night the penguin did "Christmas Monkey" from her favorite Christmas movie "A Very Monkey Christmas" starring Curious George. Now this brilliant idea came late in the day and I thought of hanging the monkeys from a chandelier.  Super cute idea, then it came time to send the email  - oh no!!! What does this have to do with God?

God is so gracious to me as He gave me a thought. We are all naughty little monkeys who need forgiveness and do not deserve God's love.

To be honest it was humbling as I wrote her simple email and sent it. God loved me enough to give up His son and I spend my time swinging from the chandeliers in life not paying much attention to His sacrifice.

May we all take time this Christmas season and let the every day "chores" (like my penguin Pete) show us God's grace and favor in our lives!