It seems people forget how to drive when the first snow falls. Perhaps we simply forget to tap the breaks and slow down. Especially during the holidays. After all, we want it to be perfect.
I remember my first Thanksgiving as a new believer in Christ. God used a can of corn to slow me down and change an old thinking pattern.
My mom always served scalloped corn. So, I followed tradition. My little family didn’t really like it but the perfect Thanksgiving meal required it. Midway through preparing our dinner, there was one problem. Scalloped corn needed an egg.
The grocery stores already closed for the day in our Arkansas town. I panicked and almost sent my husband out to find that one egg to save our Thanksgiving until I realized how ridiculous it was to stress over a casserole. My anxiety was replaced with rational thought. “Just open the can of corn, dump it in a pot, and heat it up.”
I almost let a side dish steal the heart of the holiday.
A few weeks later, we traveled to Illinois. We visited three different homes on Christmas Eve and Christmas day before driving back to Arkansas. While unloading a trunk full of toys, we realized we kinda missed Christmas. The busy-ness made it fly. We decided that next year we’d slow down, stay home, and start our own traditions.
Bottom line: I refuse to stress out. Especially during the holidays. Can’t find the perfect gift, ingredient, or decoration? We don’t need it. Whatever doesn’t get done … doesn’t get done.
This year, with working extra hours in the candy shop, I let a few things go. My fancy tablecloth stayed in the drawer and Marie Callender made my pumpkin pies.
Yesterday, I heard on the radio: “Practice the pause.” When we get frantic, panicked, or sleepless let’s hit the pause button. Do we really need that gift, that food, that spotless house? Traditions are wonderful but if they rob us of sanity and time with family then perhaps we can downsize them or wait until next year.
Nothing is more important than our health and the people affected by our stress.
So when we’re tired and our thoughts are tangled and our hearts quicken, let’s just pause. Let’s breathe in the peace Christ came to bring. Let’s choose our health, family, and friends over perfection and making a good impression. Sit back and enjoy life abundant. It’s here and now. Immanuel, God with us.
Please don’t miss Christmas. Tap the brakes and “Practice the pause.” Love and grace to you, my friends.
Photo by Connie Zink @ www.facebook.com/connie.zink1
Well said. One year when my kids were little I noticed I was snapping at them for not doing what I wanted them to do, trying to do all the things I thought should be done for Christmas. Luckily I realized what is the point of Christmas if I just make everyone miserable. So I stopped, no more Gingerbread houses, Christmas cards – hit or miss. I just do what absolutely has to be done, which I have learned isn’t much. And Christmas became about Christ.
Rebekka, it sounds like you have your own story to write:) I have a feeling you keep Christ and your family a priority throughout the year. Thank you for your comment and have a blessed, no-stress Christmas!
As usual, your message is what my heart and head need to hear. I love how God works through you to bring His message to me at just the right time. I find the messages more meaningful coming from you because we have known each other since, well, forever. Blessed Christmas to you, Jeff, and all your loved ones.
Thank you, Tammy.Your words encourage me to keep writing. Have a wonderful, no stress, Christmas, my friend:)