Slow Down

Last week I told you that I was going to blog on ways to destress and make Christmas a holy season; ways to get off the fast lane and into the slower paced lane on the highway to holiness. I am convinced that we are all busy. The question is are we all being fruitful? In other words are we doing things out of obedience to the Lord or are we living in the land of shoulds and oughts. So last week I suggested you write down all of the traditional things you do over the holidays and the things that you think you should do and pray over the list. The next step was to think about what you enjoy doing, what you feel blesses you and others and leave those things on the “to do” list. The next step was to cross off anything that doesnt fit those criteria. Now wait a minute… I didn’t say cross off those visiting family relatives who are difficult to deal with. They have to stay on the list. You might need to ask for more grace for that one or set better boundaries. But that is a whole other issue.

Next Step

Now you are all set for the next step. Armed with your fresh list of the things you want to do and feel called to do, get out your calendar and pace yourself by writing down when you will do each item on the list. For some of you, you may not want to spread out your list of errands or things you have on your list over the next few weeks,  but I find it more enjoyable if I schedule in one extra thing a day. Some people, for example do their Christmas shopping all in one day. Whichever way you do it, schedule it on the calendar.

Make Space for God

Now that you have narrowed down the things you needed to add to your schedule during the holidays, take your calendar and offer it up to the Lord. Remember Paul’s words to ” do all as to the Lord”. With your list finished, and your heart turned towards God, remember above all else to make space for God. Seek Him first thing each day. Jesus promises us that if we will seek Him and His righteousness, He will add all back to us. In other words, if you put Him at the top of your “to do” list He will help you through each day. Pretty good deal don’t you think? And a much better way to navigate your way through this beautiful season.