Embracing Simple {Prepare My Heart for the Holidays}

While I really enjoy holiday baking and creating a pretty Christmas atmosphere in my home, I’ve come to realize that killing myself for unrealistic, unattainable, and unnecessary holiday décor (or spectacular cookies) is not a necessary thing. In fact, all my doing coupled with unrealistic holiday expectations set me up for intense stress levels. And exhaustion.

So I am learning to embrace simplicity. Less is more. Meaning over dazzling.

I’m learning to do what I can and not stress about what I cannot. And I am especially learning to take time to sit at His feet during the hap-happiest time of the year. The truth is no one will notice that we didn’t exquisitely hand-decorate every single cookie. Because at the end of the day, it’s really not about the sparkle in our home, but the atmosphere of our hearts.

The gospel is simple. This year, let’s ask the Lord to help us embrace simple, and to be concerned about what really matters.

{Let’s Pray}

Father,

You are good, and You are worthy of all my adoration and praise! TodayI lift my holiday expectations up to You, and I surrender my unrealistic goals. Will You please help me to embrace simplicity, and to gladly do what I can and not to allow myself to stress about the unimportant things. Help me cultivate a peaceful, joyful, grateful atmosphere in both my heart and my home.

Though I desire pretty décor and fragrant smells in my home, I’d much rather possess an exquisite heart that honors You and blesses my family and those around me. I realize I can only do that if I relinquish unrealistic ideas and embrace wisdom and reality. I so want a grateful, joyful, peaceful heart that far outshines my Christmas décor or baking. Help me to make time for You, to make room not only in my crazy schedule but in my heart of hearts. I pause right now and turn my heart to You. Please change the atmosphere of my heart and home. Thank you for all You are doing in my life, and for making this season meaningful in a deeper way. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42) (NLT)

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