Not Everyone is Merry and Bright - 7 Steps To Holiday Peace - Jewell Utt
The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve will race by as usual. And as usual, we’ll wonder how they passed so fast. Later, as we assess the financial and emotional outcome, we’re left to consider the value it had. Rather than allow the days to escape unchecked, let’s slow things down and make thoughtful choices that have long term effects.
Don’t be afraid of change
Be prepared to change
A break from the usual tradition challenges and boosts your spiritual, intellectual, and emotional being.
Consider Courtney. Holidays grew meaningless with an endless focus on materialism and tradition. She felt pitied by family for her independent life. A life different than they imagined, but one that thoroughly challenged and fulfilled her. It made being together hard. It stirred feelings of insecurity she didn’t experience in her everyday life. She decided it was time for a change.
She began the process of forms and background checks to foster host an orphan for a holiday. To make a great day for her new little sister, became the heart of her focus for the season. As a result, their relationship grew into regular visits together. The time she invested with her child helped the young girl to build trust. She was adopted into a family that welcomed Courtney’s involvement. This relationship brought a richness and reprieve to the lives of all three.
When you place the right priorities at the top of your list, holidays become a precious time to enhance the lives of other people.
When you choose how to celebrate your holiday, consider three things:
Is it true? How many events do you attend due to obligation, rather than desire?
Is it right? Are you busier with details than with people?
Will it have a long term effect? Are you seeking God and serving others?
Think outside of the box when you plan for this year’s celebration.
Here are a few holiday suggestions:
- Colossians 3:23 tells us to set our minds on things above. Read a book. What better time than Christmas to discover Christ? “The Case For Christ” by Lee Strobel
- “Don’t take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.” Micah 6:8 Msg
- Host an event for other people to enjoy. Enlist help. Expect nothing in return. Extend an open invitation. You may be surprised at who will show up.
- Find a Soup Kitchen and serve up some meals.
- Do the necessary paperwork to give an orphan a special day away.
- Make choices you’ll truly enjoy. Learn to say no to anything that cultivates an anxious heart.
- Remember. “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
The Matthew Henry commentary says of this verse: If men make God’s glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace.
This is where true peace is found.
