Pressures and Refocusing

It seems from just before Thanksgiving all the way through New Year’s there are so many different emotions that take over for so many people. Although it’s supposed to be a time to concentrate on being thankful, rejoicing about the birth of Jesus so many years ago, reminiscing on the past year, and looking forward to a new year, it can quickly become overwhelming. It seems there is so much focus on gift giving and figuring out what to take for family gatherings and parties, not to mention trying to fit them all into our schedules without losing our sanity. It’s easy to lose the joy we should be experiencing if we aren’t careful.

For many it seems to cause more stress than joy. Gatherings can be nerve racking for those who have anxiety/depression issues, going shopping is a whole nother set of issues; from worries about what to get, how much to spend, and dealing with the crowds and traffic. In reality, the best gift we can give anyone is our time, understanding, and our unconditional love.

I too was having those feelings related to holiday stress as I finished up some work that had to be done early, checked to be sure I hadn’t missed anyone’s gifts, looked over the grocery list for upcoming dinners to be sure I had it all, and got things ready to be wrapped. I found myself feeling like I was just ready for it to be over. That’s when I knew it was time for a ride. Time to be alone with God on the bike enjoying the wonderful view He created and no distractions for a while to get myself back on track.

I rode for close to 2 hours and oh what a difference it made. I came back refocused and ready to enjoy the rest of the season.

Along the ride I saw many Christmas decorations in people’s yards. Some were simple, others much more elaborate. I thought about all of the shoppers still hustling and bustling to get it all done. I thought about those who may not have family to spend their Christmas with for various reasons and how hard that must be. I thought about those who have families to be with but for whatever reason it’s not a joyous time together or they choose not to be with them. I thought about our service men and women and their families who are apart while they serve their country, not only this time of year but for very long periods of time throughout the year. I thought about the families who are celebrating their first Christmas without a loved one they lost this past year.

The list could go on and on and is different for everyone. There are some who will spend Christmas alone. Some by choice, others because they have nobody close to share with. There are broken families and children who don’t have a loving mom and dad to make this time special for them, not necessarily with gifts, but with unconditional love and time spent teaching them about the true meaning of Christmas and family.

I think about my 2 beautiful granddaughters and I am so thankful that my son and daughter in law are teaching them young about Jesus. Psalm 127:3 tells us “Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” We are instructed in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” My oldest granddaughter is just 21 months old and my heart overflows when I hear her starting to now say the blessing before we eat. There’s something very special about that sweet little voice praying and then ending with a very firm AMEN. I know that even though we teach our children about Him, some still may stray, but we must continue to pray for them even harder in those times. Matthew 19:26 makes it clear as Jesus is talking to his disciples about being saved-“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. ”

We cannot give up hope, not during this stressful holiday season or any time of the year. We cannot give up on ourselves or on family and friends who have strayed. We must put our trust in Him and simply believe. Many parents are able to convince their children to believe in Santa Claus that can fly all the way around the world in a single night and bring them worldly possessions once/year and yet fail to teach them about Jesus, who can bring them the gift of forgiveness, grace, mercy, and salvation leading to an eternal life with Him.

Luke 2:11

“For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. ”

Josh Groban has a song called Believe and part of the lyrics are as follows: