As I stood in the toilet paper aisle at Walmart staring at the empty shelves, I began to get a little frustrated. Not for lack of TP because we always buy Angel Soft and apparently things aren't bad enough pandemic wise for people to buy that. I didn't realize people didn't like that toilet paper until this pandemic hit. The shelves were empty, people panicking, and there sat a huge supply of Angel Soft toilet paper. So I guess when the angels go that's when we will know it's bad. Anyways not the topic at hand....
I was frustrated because I overheard people getting upset over another possible shutdown due to rising COVID numbers. Then I went to another grocery store where people were talking more about how bad it is getting and what's going to happen. I tried to tune it out but it just got to me a little more than I would like. I got home from my overwhelming trip to town and I sat in the quiet of my car and tried to calm down. I try not to pay attention to the hype of everything but man it was just everywhere I went that evening. I just don't want to be so scared of it. I know it's there, I know things look bad at times, but my goodness I just don't want to be so caught up that I miss everything else! Covid has taken a lot from us this year. Holidays, birthdays, trips, maybe even loved ones. But I have made up my mind that it will not take my Christmas joy away. I plan on doing our normal holiday activities, all while making sure we keep safe. Elf on the Shelf? You better brace yourself for crazy shenanigans every night! Christmas cookies? Oh they will be way over-decorated and way too many will be ate! I refuse to let the fear of the world stop me from making Christmas memories inside the walls of my own home. No matter what happens out in the world my kids will feel the warmth and happiness that is so special to this time of year. When you begin to feel overwhelmed, I encourage you to stop, take a breath and think on this verse. When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:19 Comfort, hope, and cheer. The Lord brings them all. If we would just lean on Him, He will bring us a hope and cheer that will chase away the doubts. This holiday season I will be trusting in Him no matter what happens. And I know He will be the source of my Christmas joy.
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After the last bit of Halloween candy has been devoured, costumes put away, and the rotting pumpkins are finally tossed our minds turn quickly to Thanksgiving and all the things the busy holiday season bring us. We begin meal planning, inviting, cleaning, prepping, stressing, and worrying about pulling off a great Thanksgiving. Whether you host or attend there are so many things we can get caught up in worrying about. This year throws in a special edition of corona worry by adding health concerns for all involved in possible gatherings. Great....
As you begin pulling up chairs for extra guests, I wanted to remind you of a few extra chairs to make room for at your table this year. Pull up a chair of patience this holiday season. Things get stressful and its easy to get overwhelmed and that can lead to meltdowns or explosions! Be patient with one another. Pause and take a deep breath when it all gets too much and remember that you have an extra chair of patience here when you need it. Make room for a chair of grace, for others and yourself. The comparison game can get strong this time of year. Who's dinner is better, who kept their weight down from last year, who's kids act better...the list is endless! Give grace as it has freely been given to you. Things won't always turn out picture perfect and that's okay. Family members might say something that comes across wrong, let it go. Give them and yourself an extra helping of grace and know that who you are is enough. And lastly, squeeze in room for rest. I feel like when the clock strikes midnight on October 31st the holidays come racing in and it is a mad dash to the finish line which usually lies just beyond the "Happy New Year" yells on January 1st. Find your comfiest chair and make rest a priority this season. You will truly enjoy things more if you are rested. You will be better able to enjoy moments with your kids if you are rested mentally and physically. Don't be afraid to say no to things that take away from this rest. Exhaustion takes so much away from us. Make sure you have a chair of rest at your table and go ahead and claim that chair. Best of luck as your holidays get underway. I hope your events and get togethers are fun, healthy, and full of life. Keep your chairs up to your table as long as you need to. I will be rotating through all of mine often! |