Are You Ready for the Holidays?
Can you believe that the holidays are upon us? People tend to ask, “Are you ready for …insert holiday name here…?”
My go-to response now is, “Nope! It’s not that day yet, so I still have time!” It might seem harsh, but it reminds me that I don’t have to be ready until I’m ready! I deal enough with my own issues of hyper-preparedness and scheduling perfection. If you’ve been one of my friends who’ve asked me that question, please forgive me.
God reminds me very often that I have enough today–for today.
Enough ability,
enough skill,
enough knowledge,
enough wisdom,
enough money,
enough time,
enough strength,
enough of everything!
Yet, we don’t live as if it’s true. What’s wrong with us?
We are so programmed to living by reliance on our physical eyes, that when we are commanded to trust, we forget to look at ourselves and our circumstances with the spiritual eyes we’ve been given. Need an example?
How many times have I looked at a magazine of a gorgeous home perfectly decorated for the holidays only to see my homemade ornaments and hodge-podge decor, and become jealous or angry that I didn’t have the money to do the same?How many times have I compared my holiday menu to that of a friend’s when I clearly didn’t have the time to do the same kind of preparation?
And, how many times have I imagined a perfectly peaceful family gathering without the normal family drama that so often clouds the room?
Early in our marriage I longed for the beautiful house filled with all the trappings we see on a picture postcard. Now, I admire more the homes with the most simple of decorations and dinner table. And now, I get to focus more on the people around the table and treasure my memories of holidays spent with those who can’t be with us anymore.Here’s your challenge for this year:
Think of one aspect of your Christmas preparations that you would like to change up. I can guarantee that there is something you could streamline, ask someone to help you with, or simply do without. I bet if when you start looking for one possible change, many more will come to mind. Wouldn’t a simpler season sound satisfying?
And now here’s an idea:
Do you like cranberries, but are tired of the canned version that slides into the bowl? I’ve got a terrific recipe for you all to try this year? It is super simple, lovely to look at, makes the kitchen smell great, and is mighty tasty. You’ll want to give this Cranberry Apricot Relish a go; I promise!
