Can you believe it’s that time of year again? Every year it seems that the holiday season sneaks up on us. It feels like we quickly move from our ‘dry season’ to hot and humid. But, with the change of season is a sure sign that the holidays are underway. This past year has been full of monumental moments that have marked us and moved us forward in great faith and growing thankfulness. But, the truth is that sometimes the holiday season is a time that makes it hard to ignore the loss, loneliness, and lament in our life. It’s a present wrapped with a mix of experiences, emotions, and traditions. So, as we approach let me share some thoughts to help prepare our hearts and homes for everything that the holiday season brings.
I absolutely love the holiday season and getting to spend so much quality time with my family, not to mention the amazing food! This season is such a full season — full of joy, full of people, and full of perspective of what’s really important in life. With this comes the temptation to become overwhelmed by the fullness—a full schedule, a full house, and maybe even a full stomach (if we’re being real!) In the hustle and bustle, I find that the cure for the sometimes impending stress is the very reason we get together in the first place — thankfulness.
In this season I want to encourage you to sow peace in the place of chaos, to choose the gift of being present over the temptation to be distracted by your to-do’s, and to really focus on the why behind the holiday. We all know that we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7), so what will you be sowing this week?
THE POWER AND PRACTICE OF THANKSGIVING
Let’s take some time to pause and meditate on these verses from Philippians 4:4-9 (emphasis added): “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
THE POWER OF THANKSGIVING
Giving thanks shouldn’t just be relegated to one day a year, but rather it should be a lifestyle. After all, its power goes far beyond connecting us around a beautiful table. Thankfulness is the door to happiness and the gate to heaven (remember, we enter His gates with thanksgiving). It’s the cure for arrogance, the inoculation for depression and it’s a force against the spirit of entitlement. Thankfulness is the fruit of humility and the offspring of gratitude towards God. Thankfulness has saved many a marriage, rescued children from the grips of bitterness, and delivered countless souls from the political spirit. Thankfulness is a field that must be cultivated, weeded, and seeded. So what will you do to get the soil of your heart ready this season?
For those of you who face this holiday with fear, anxiety, or restlessness I want to encourage you to take some time today and decide what you want to sow in its place. Remember that you have the resources of Heaven at your disposal and that you get to shift atmospheres with the power you carry.
Start with focusing on what you’re thankful for and then declare light and love over this week. What are you sowing this week?
adapted from a blog by Kris Vallotton