Not stressing over holiday stress

[JLCecilia]

I saw a meme awhile back with someone literally buried face-down in the couch which reads: “That moment when you have so much to do, you decide to just lie down instead.”

Felt myself getting bummed Friday night over how much work this week is going to be and how maybe if I’m feeling overwhelmed it’s b/c I’ve overcommitted. I have a friend who INSISTS on getting her Christmas shopping done before November so she can enjoy her Advent. Then I realized, while it’s necessary to enter into prayer in preparation for our Lord, what ratio do you think his prayer life was in comparison to the amount of time he spent being followed by flocks of people making one request after another? Yes, sometimes it’s necessary to say ‘no’ and not overcommit out of self preservation and to allow ourselves that quiet time for prayer, but did Jesus ever refuse anyone saying “Not now, I’m tired/busy”? Yes, he retreated at times, but prob. more often than not he was serving and giving every last bit of himself. If I’m able-bodied to serve, then I ought not feel resentful or put out over the busy-ness of this season. Honestly, how often do we celebrate like this? Christmas has to be one of the busiest times for celebrating Christ’s birth with as many of our loved ones as possible. If I’m busy, it’s b/c I’m blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.

And try to make your busy-ness a prayer. Now, if I can just keep this thought/prayer in mind as I navigate my way through this week and try to keep His peace in the midst of it all!

 

[travissbeloved]

I understand what you mean but I tend to disagree with you a bit. I like to get my shopping done in early December along with the decorating and I usually only commit to a few Christmas parties instead of every one we’re invited to. I take this time to pray and relax and just spend time with my family. Maybe that is just the way I function but there is no way I could turn business into a prayer, I would be much too stressed out. I do 1-2 Christmas volunteer projects but giving financially (if you can afford it) is a way of serving the poor as well while still leaving some time for retreat. Maybe this is a bit selfish of me but with a young family and a military spouse, the week of Christmas is one of the only extended periods of time we have together. I think God would find that to be important as well.

 

[Neofight]

I’m not sure what to think, but no matter how busy I get, or how hectic life becomes, I never have not had enough time for quiet, reflective prayer. I can find the time, if I’m willing to make it a priotity.

 

[JLCecilia]

I think the biggest thing for me is just not let myself turn into a maniac, but keep my cool. I’m grateful to be breastfeeding right now b/c pumping breaks allow me time to turn my thoughts to the Lord throughout the day. I woke up w/ a nightmare last night and I was able to let the Lord lead my heart from fear to gratitude for DH and pray for him. I’m grateful for a long red light to take time to pray. If I don’t ‘make’ the time for prayer, I’m glad God ‘steals’ these little moments for us to talk in prayer. He never stops calling me to Him. I’m grateful that I’m able to respond and not be too blind to see the chance right in front of me.