November 21, 2018
Can you believe it’s November? Thanksgiving is this week and that means that Christmas, New Year’s and everything in between is right around the corner. That often means we can find ourselves stressed. We have so many things to take care of that giving thanks to God, preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord, and rejoicing in the possibilities of the new year are nowhere on our schedule. We might find ourselves not truly living in the joy of the season or in joy at all.
“I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”
-Isaiah 41:13
This time of year can hold a bit of melancholy for me. This past Saturday was the 11-year anniversary of the passing of my nephew, Jay. Next weekend would have been my mom’s 87th birthday. Maybe it is the darker, shorter days, but during these months, the struggles of everyday life can feel more difficult.
Have you ever felt this way? It could be you’re missing a family member, either through their passing or not being part of your life, and there is still a part of your heart that finds it difficult to celebrate without them. Maybe you are feeling anxiety about your financial situation. It could be you or your spouse lost a job or dream you had. Maybe you feel like you didn’t accomplish all that you should have over the past year.
We try to meet our own (and everyone else’s) expectations and we get stressed. We feel nostalgic or sad about the past and can neglect this season of joy. But no matter what the reason you might find yourself not anticipating the coming months, there is good news! It is possible to embrace peace and joy over the holidays!
“The LORD is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope.”
Psalm 31:18
I’m not talking about giddy outwardly happiness, but rather that deep internal feeling inside our heart that allows us to know Christ’s love for us. It is that emotion that allows our soul to see and acknowledge the beauty of God’s creation within ourselves and within the world. It is the echo of God within us.
In light of that, check out these few simple reminders of how we can stay connected with our joy.
QUIET TIME
Isn’t it ironic that during a time when we should be preparing our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we get so busy we don’t have time for Him? Recommitting ourselves to spend quiet contemplative time with the Lord daily is vital during this busy and stressful time of year. It can help us return our thoughts and actions back to the true reason for this season instead of getting caught up in the madness. I have made sure this is on my daily schedule. Can you make the time (even just 15 minutes) for this too?
KISS
Keep it simple, silly. Creative and Life Coach, Sue Mohr, calls this KISS. Sometimes, when we are trying to do too much, we move away from God. The turkey, decorations and gift wrap don’t have to be perfect. (That being said, let’s make sure to cook the turkey all the way through, LOL!!) In Matthew 6:25, we hear the simple, beautiful words of Jesus: “I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing?” Jesus understood that simplicity was a spiritual practice and was a way to experience God in the everyday.
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.”
Psalm 51:12
GRATITUDE
Through the “everyday,” don’t be afraid to enjoy a moment. Even when things don’t go as planned or our expectations are not met, being thankful helps remind us that even in the struggles of life, God is with us. Often in those challenges, if we take just a moment to soften our soul, to see beyond the discomfort of the difficulty and offer gratitude to our Creator, that is where we can deepen our relationship with the Lord and come out with more blessings than we thought possible.
LAUGHTER
Finally, may I encourage you to take a moment everyday to laugh. God has told us that there is a time for everything, including laughter (Ecclesiastes 3:4). So here is a little something to get you started:
P.S. It’s okay to feel melancholy, my friends. But if you are experiencing something deeper then seasonal sorrow, anxiety, or frustration, please reach out for help. You can talk to your pastor, spiritual friend/director, or pastoral minister. Or, you can connect with a resource such as crisistextline.org or 800-662-HELP (4357).
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