Yesterday, I talked to Kelli on Twitter just about life in general. She began to tell me how stressed out she's been lately. There's so much that she needs to do and so many things she's being asked to help out with and it's all just weighing down on her.
Now Kelli is one of those people who tends to over-commit themselves. She's done it for as long as I've known her. She's not very good at saying 'No" when people ask her to help out with something- so she says "Yes" and gets so much put on her plate that it looks like Thanksgiving dinner all over again!
It seems, though, that it's a similar case for everyone around this time of year. You may not be over-committing yourself to various projects, but perhaps you're stressed out about something else. I know my brother and I have been struggling to keep up with our schoolwork to the point where it almost seems like our Co-op teachers have decided to throw it just a little extra work just to watch us squirm. And I can't tell you how many Facebook and Twitter updates I've seen talking about what a horrible day or week it's been.
It seems that the Christmas season just hands you loads of things to get stressed about and you're expected to just swallow it all and keep from puking before you make it to the bathroom. People are stressed about money, about Christmas shopping, about too many committments (like Kelli), about exams and schoolwork (like Mitchell and I), or about any other number of things.
So what are we supposed to do? Down a bottle of Pepto-bismol and hope we don't look green on the Christmas cards?
Here's my 'Season of Stressfulness' advice: Just take a deep breath and handle things one at a time, all the while remembering that this isn't what this season is about.
You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. If you try, you're just going to run yourself into the ground. Figure out what's important to you and pursue it. Figure out what needs to be accomplished and tackle it. Then you can use the extra time to commit to a FEW things and do those efficiently and with good spirits.
This season isn't about beating everyone else by getting the best present for Martha. It's not the time to push and shove so you can get little Johnny the best toy ever, even if that's what the commercials try to tell you. It's not about over-working yourself, even if you genuinely want to help, and it's not about getting stressed because yet another thing has been unavoidably added to your workload.
Christmas is about remembering the birth of Christ- that's why we as Christians celebrate it. As far as I'm concerned, the world can keep their plasma screens and their blow up Santas, they can keep their platinum credit cards and their shiny new cars. If that's what they want to celebrate, far be it from me to rain on their parade.
I choose to celebrate something infinitely more worthwhile.
God came to earth in human flesh in order to bring hope to a fallen world. He came to rescue his bride, plunging into the world that had been so overwhelmed by the muck of sin just so he could draw us out. He brought Life anew to the world, reminded us that there is more than just us, and eventually died in our stead. He took the cross, which was our rightful punishment, and bore it so we wouldn't have to. He then defeated death and rose again, leaving to prepare a place for us. Even then, He did not abandon us- but gave us the Comforter who helps us and leads us in a world that wishes us to return to our sin.
We anxiously and joyously wait for His return, in which He will draw us back into Him. There will be a wedding feast that will surpass all. I can't wait!
So what are a few shiny cars and blow up Santas when the Savior of the world is desperately in love with me? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
In this all too stressful time of year, don't get distracted by the bright lights and loud noises, because they're only trying to quiet the voice of the One who is gently wooing you. So take a deep breath, seperate yourself from the noise, and spend time with Him.
Don't let Jesus be neglected because you've got too much homework to bother with Him. Don't let Him get pushed aside by the over-filled shopping cart. He's worth so much more than anything this world can offer.
[Picture compliment of Google Images]
Have a blessed day!
