As we approach the busy holiday season (and truthfully, any time of year), we often get caught up in 'busyness'. We lose sight of what is most precious. The increased stress kicks the 'joy out of life'. We feel 'beat up', exhausted. As a result, we tend to dread the holidays. Instead, let 4 words 'jump start' you in the right direction.

 

CLEAR: Clear out the clutter of your life. Get organized. Prioritize. Clear your mind of worry, fear, perfectionism. Make lists for shopping, decorating and baking. Then, stick to it. Don't get distracted by everything around you----TV ads, expectations of yourself or others. Decide what is most important and don't be tempted to overload your day. Have goals which are within your control. Not..."I want everyone to be happy." This is not within your control. Instead..."I will be kind, loving, and considerate to my friends and family." The blessing to clearing your life of clutter will be peace.

 

CHEER: Be of good cheer. Praise God daily. Have a thankful spirit. See beauty all around you---in others and in the world. Partner with God in bringing beauty to your home, to yourself, and in others. Have a spirit of worship 24/7/365. Thank God for who He is, for what He has done and for what He will do. The blessing to you will be joy.

DEAR: Cherish those around you who you love. Tell them. Express love to them in both word and deed. Expectations are many times unrealistically high and we are; therefore, often disappointed. Instead, do not take your relationships for granted. Tell them why you love them----specifically and often. The blessing to you will be love filling your heart.

 

HEAR: Hear the story of Christmas again and again. Hear it often and hear it with fresh ears and an open heart. Hear it with childlike wonder and awe. Spend time with God everyday---do not neglect your quiet time. And, if you don't have a quiet time, now is a good time to start. Journal about God's past work in your life. Look for His hand in your life today. "Seek and you will find." And, the blessing to you will be increased faith and hope.

 

My prayer, then, for you is to remember: clear, cheer, dear, and hear; and, the blessings will be peace, joy, love, faith, and hope! What a gift! What a Savior!!!!

 

Grace,

Marty