How distractingly busy the holiday season can be for everyone! Before you realize it, the last days of the year are ticking by, the lights are strung about the tree, presents are wrapped, and the year has flown by once again.
We often glorify the busyness of this season, filled with its hustle and bustle. There’s a “glitter” to all the activity: it shines with the appeal of that need we have to always be checking things off our list, hoping to be able to count the day as fully productive.
The Christmas season has lovely sentiments wrapped in every inch of its traditions, yet we often miss out on the important stuff because we are overly focused on the lesser details. I find that I want everything to be perfect or just as I envision it should be — the holiday, the gifts, the wrapping! . . . I am learning that oftentimes, what I’ve envisioned as “perfect” is not necessarily what I need. The things that really matter are things that cannot be taken away.
The story of Mary and Martha comes to mind. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened while Martha was busy serving those around her. How easy it was for Mary to put aside the things she knew must get done in order to sit and listen to Jesus.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Luke 10:39-42
I find that sometimes we need to put the distractions aside and really tune into what God is calling us to do in that moment or that day. Often, we pray and ask for wisdom or an answer . . . but do we take the time to listen?
I want to encourage you, dear reader, to be intentional about taking the time to sit at Jesus’ feet this season. Take the time to pray for your communities and those around you who are hurting or alone. Focus on quality family time, of giving of your time and attention during this season.
Let us be intentional women when it comes to structuring our days and what we prioritize.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Let us make sure that we are full of all things good so that we can pour out into those around us and make our world a better one.
As this year wraps up and we put aside this decade of memories and experiences, what is the one thing you wish you had done more of? Please leave your comments below; I would love to know. I also want to encourage you to focus on doing more of that in the next year coming up! It is never too late to start doing more.