Ahh, the holidays. The time of year when all the extra
time we need simply materializes into our schedules, every single thing goes
according to plan, all our relatives are happy with not a bicker in sight, and
there is peace on earth (and in our homes).
Not.
No other time of the year places more stress on more
people. Yet the majority of the stress we experience is due to our own unrealistic
expectations. We assume everything will go off without a hitch. We wrongly
anticipate a golden glow around our festivities—around our lives—that simply
isn’t realistic.
Somehow our holiday expectations (and perhaps one too many
Hallmark Christmas movies) prevent us from enjoying what is while we’re busy yearning for if only. The only thing that we really have the power to change
during the holidays is us. When we
realize that everything can change dramatically by letting go of our
expectations, we displace stress while making room for authentic peace and joy,
and most importantly, gratitude for what we do have.
Be thankful in all
circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1
Thessalonians 5:18) (NLT)
{Let’s
Pray}
Father,
You
are holy and awesome and mighty! God, I don’t want my holiday expectations to
become a barrier that prevents me from enjoying my reality. I don’t want to
experience untold stress because of my unrealistic expectations. And I don’t
want to yearn for what will never be, or assume everything will always go
smoothly simply because it’s Christmas time.
Right
now I choose to let go of my expectations, Lord. I even surrender my yearnings
for everyone to be happy and for the things I’d love to happen that most likely
will not. Thank you for lifting every ounce of stress from my heart and
shoulders and filing me with Your authentic peace and joy. Give me grace for
the inevitable hard moments. Help me to cultivate realistic expectations and
deep gratitude. May my eyes be open to the many ways You do bless me, so my
heart will overflow with gratitude. In the awesome name of Jesus, Amen.
Christmas
Box Give-Away! On Wednesday, November 23, TWO random winners
will be chosen from ALL of the RaffleCopter options below (you may choose more
than one option to increase your odds of winning) to receive a beautiful
Christmas box containing lovely goodies, including a signed copy of my
devotional, “Prayers for a Woman’s Soul”, and a Christmas mug courtesy of my
sweet daughter-in-law’s Mostly Smiling Sticks (design may vary).
If you are reading this post via email please CLICK HERE to enter and be eligible for the giveaway.
1 comment:
Julie, your heartfelt prayers echo what my heart desires. It's like you know the exact words to express what I feel. Thanks for your ministry. Blessings to you and your family and have a Wonderful Thanksgiving! Sincerely, Cherie K
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