While
I truly 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! Today I 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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