Rest for the Weary

As I sat at my computer to put together a “Smooth Moves…” article, I thought, “If I read, let alone compose, another “Christmas tips” list I’ll scream!” Tips on baking the perfect cookies, or packaging your gifts so they are not damaged in the mail, or even how to keep the focus on Jesus during the holidays, are great and helpful, but they can be overwhelming for the overwhelmed and weary.

So, instead of adding to the plethora of suggestions of what you should and should not be doing, and the guilt that often accompanies them, I would like to quote Jesus,

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

Many of us are missing home and family. Many are dealing with strained relationships, illness, loneliness, fatigue, caring for aging parents… There’s a weariness that sets in that leaves little energy for accomplishing the countless tasks that confront us at Christmas. And let’s face it, our families look to us to set a tone. So how do we balance Christmas “doing” with restful “being”?

Don’t let “doing” crowd out “being”. What do I mean? Make it your first priority to have restful, quiet moments in prayer, meditation, reading, listening to God. Get up early, stay up later, take advantage of the kids’ naptime, hire a baby-sitter, or ask hubby to step in for a while, while you have time to recharge. Think on this: Jesus does not have a “to do” list for you so that you will be spiritually deeper, hear his voice more clearly, or get over your hang-ups. He wants you to simply “be” with Him as you surrender and rest in Him. HE will do any “work” in you that HE wants done and in HIS timing. For those of us hooked on the treadmill of productivity, quiet time focused on Christ is the most productive thing you will do all day.

Keeping Christmas preparations simple will also be very helpful and ease some of the pressure. Don’t throw out all of your traditions, but pare down to three or four that are especially meaningful for the family. No need to put out every last wreath and Christmas light that you own, just choose a few of your favorites. Why bake all six of the Christmas cookie recipes? A couple of recipes will suffice.

OK. So maybe I was not able to resist offering a few “tips” for a simpler Christmas. But don’t allow the countless Tips Lists that tell you what to be doing to be given a higher priority than the greatest commandment of coming to Jesus.