“…Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made…Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better …” ~ Luke 10:40-42
Our military moves kept us far from family. For seven years, we packed our two little boys into or Honda Civic and traveled home for Christmas. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we’d dash to see all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
We returned home with a trunk stuffed with gifts but our Christmas cheer was lost somewhere between Grandma’s house and exit 145. We were exhausted amid mountains of laundry and sugared up kids.
It felt like we missed Christmas. So the next year we stayed home and started our own family traditions.
In this season made for celebrating Jesus, what’s depleting your energy and Christmas cheer?
Gift-buying? Decorating? Maybe you dread being with people who, year after year, are just plain difficult. Maybe you’re grieving someone who won’t be there. Maybe you’re exhausted trying to keep up with traditions.
I want to share a bit of encouragement from Lori Ann Wood, a friend who was forced into a difficult holiday season.
“I’ve learned to give myself grace to live the holiday season that is placed in my hands right now. To let go of the should-be’s and the ideals [of traditions.] To grasp the unique joy that only this season of life can offer.”
“If you’re having an untraditional Christmas this year, it may be the perfect time to start making some new memory moments. Whether you’re missing someone or somewhere or something that used to form traditions, your unusual holiday can be fertile ground for planting some brand-new memories. And maybe by letting go of some traditions, we are leaving more space for what’s coming—the Ultimate Gift.”
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☮💗 Robin
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