Coping with the Stress of Moving Over the Holidays
by Susan Miller

Moving can be emotionally difficult and stressful even in the best circumstances. With the holidays facing you during a time of transition and change, it can be especially hard. There may be days when the stress of moving is overwhelming and you feel totally immobile to unpack another box!

You might have arrived in town just in time for the holidays, or you could be packing up to make a move before the new year begins. A major life change is never easy, especially during this time of year. How do you begin to connect with people when you don’t know anyone and feel so disconnected in an unfamiliar place? How do you get past the loneliness?

Here are a few tips that will help you not only get through the holidays, but enjoy the season:

Begin with Counting Your Blessings
There are always things to be thankful for in any situation. Look beyond your circumstances and focus on how you are blessed in the midst of this transition.

Find A Church
A place to worship, a place to grow in Christ, a place to fellowship - then you will be home.
'In Him all things hold together.' - Colossians 1:17

Go on a 'God Hunt'
Look for God each day.
'And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.' - Jeremiah 29:13

Volunteer
There are so many organizations that need a helping hand and a willing heart during the holidays. What a great way help those less fortunate than you are.

Get Involved
Make the most of all the opportunities available to you over the holidays to meet new people. Check your local newspaper for all the Thanksgiving and Christmas activities going on between now and the end of the year. Join up and join in.

Start a NEW Tradition
It could be as simple as a new recipe to share for the holidays or as meaningful as going to a nursing home to visit someone who doesn’t have a family.

Listen, Listen!
Put on a praise CD or tune in to a Christian radio station to soothe your mind and lift your spirits.

Invite Someone NEW (like you!)
Meet for coffee or to come over during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Be intentional about NOT being alone.

And last, but not least…
Greet People with a Smile!
Remember that each person you meet is a potential new friend.

Remember that God may be using this move, at this season of the year, to get your full attention and draw you closer to Him. What better time than over the holidays, when we can feel especially disconnected and alone, to turn to Him for comfort and strength.

There have been many times when we moved, that loneliness overwhelmed me during the holidays. Yet, I was so busy interpreting all the events of my life and my move that I didn’t hear what God was trying to tell me. May we never forget-when God takes the time to speak to us, we need to listen to His voice. Here are some of God’s reassuring scriptures that spoke to me and helped me to cope with our move.

He assures us of His love
'I have loved you with an everlasting love.' - Jeremiah 31:3

He encourages us with His presence
'I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.' - Joshua 1:5

He fills us with His hope
'...My hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.' - Psalms 62:5-6

He calms us with His comfort
'The Lord will guide you always, He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.' - Isaiah 58:11