Turning away from holiday folly

8 Shopping Days Left Until Christmas!

Yikes.  I have barely started.  In my quiet time this morning my mind was racing a million miles a minute trying to capture the ever-growing list of things to do.  The mounting stress of the looming deadline pops into my mind every time I wake at night making it harder to get back to sleep.

What is causing the most stress is not that I am not done shopping – I rarely am by now anyway.  What is stressful is that I don’t even know what to get for those on my list.  That is a problem.

This verse was in my reading this morning and I simply wanted to share it: “I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants – but let them not turn to folly.” (Psalm 85:8)

I realized as I read this today that I am lacking peace.  In the midst of all of the holiday rush, I have lost sight of the peace of Christmas. My holiday to-do list has supplanted my Christmas to-BE list. This, to me, is folly.  Foolishness.

Peace will come when I am faithful in being who God asks me to be.  When I am faithful in being, I will be faithful in doing.  This morning I took the time to set to paper what I think my to-do list is.  I have placed that before the Lord and asked Him to show me what is most important to Him.

Writing this today came to the top of the list.  Someone else is where I am: stressed and not sleeping.  Sweet friend – hear the Lord whisper to your heart too – don’t get caught up in holiday folly.  Be faithful in being; be available; be loving; be in the moment; be quiet; be with the Lord and be peaceful.

I am sure the gifts will all get purchased. What is far more important is that I, that we, take the time to love the people. That is what they will remember. That is what will honor the Lord. That is what will bring peace.

Now, just to do it – right?  I’ll pray for you. Will you pray for me?

Living Holy,

Denise