During the holiday season, it seems the “to-do” list takes on a new meaning. It consistently grows a little bit longer as the hours and the days grow shorter. It isn’t long before we are running the holiday race as fast as we can. Before long, we find ourselves exasperated and agitated. Is there actually a way to find joy in this season?
There are times I find myself caught in a cycle of complaining. Usually it stems from feeling like I do not have time to check everything off my list. Or I am upset with myself for, once again, overcommitting. Perhaps I am disgruntled over my garland that has only half of the lights twinkling. Then comes one uninvited interruption after another. Whether it is kids, husband, or mother calling, I feel like I am in the neverending “12 Days of Christmas” song.
However, I have found a way to stop the cycle. A way to pause the song and stop the hamster wheel from turning. The key is to stop focusing on all the reasons and worries that fuel my running, so to speak. In finding simple ways to bless others, I find relief every time. For me, it is making an extra tray of baked ziti some nights. For you, it may be baking a couple of extra cookies. Or maybe it will look like making a phone call to the widow you know through church. Whatever it is the Holy Spirit lays on your heart, you can trust it will change the posture of it. Give your heart a temporary breather as it focuses on filling someone else’s. God has always used my small acts of service in a big way. I am never regretful, but always joyful when I complete the task. There are many verses in the Bible where Jesus calls us to step outside of ourselves, to have a servant’s heart, and make sure we are in tune with more than just our own needs. This is not to wear us out or spread ourselves thin, but to open our hearts to receive the joy of giving.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
The word “refresh” in that verse is key. It is exactly what we need in times where we feel our spirit has grown overwhelmed or just plain weary. Trust me, there are times where I question myself. Do I really need to add in one more thing? This type of “one more thing” never lets me down. Being the hands and feet of Jesus always has its reward. There is always a moment of joy attached to it. I have also found he always redeems your time. By including my daughter in these activities, this act of service or sharing also lends itself to family time. Time spent cooking with my daughter or drawing a card gives her a sense of accomplishment, and exposes her to the needs around us. This expands her world beyond what she knows to be true in her own home.
The Christmas season is filled with opportunities to share Jesus with others, whether it is dropping off a box of cookies or sending a card in the mail. These acts of kindness and service make an impression that lasts long after the final Christmas decoration is packed away. As you feel yourself getting stuck in the rut of the busy season, consider pausing to see where you may have time to fit in a little “more to share.”
Enjoy this recipe to share with your friends and family this Christmas season!
Consider a few extra resources:
- Three practices that will increase your family’s joy this holiday season
- How to stress less this Christmas
- Turning Christmas traditions into teachable moments
