DEFINE YOUR HOLIDAY

So, Wednesday snuck up on me again last week and it got busier in the days following. Here is the post that I didn’t get a chance to post last week. It is another message that I shared on my personal Facebook account recently, and I thought it would be fitting to share with you as an encouragement this holiday season. 

DEFINE YOUR HOLIDAY 
I have been feeling a heaviness during this holiday season. I thought it was just me, but usually when this happens, it’s a signal from God that the heaviness is in the atmosphere, meaning people are walking around masking burdens, struggles, worry, etc...and the attempt to put on a smile on their face everyday to mask it all, is wearing on them. I just want to encourage you today that it’s ok not to be ok, even during the holidays. It’s ok that you want to stay home this year and not make your usual rounds, it’s ok if you’re struggling financially and can’t get the gifts that you would like to give, it’s ok if you think Christmas is overhyped and over commercialized, it’s ok if you feel that you can’t meet the expectations that the holidays bring. One of the best things you can do for yourself this holiday season is do some holiday confessionals to God and to yourself. Admitting that you are struggling is the first step. Letting go of the struggle (i.e. the need to keep up a facade, finances, etc...) is the second step. Making the holidays be what you want it to be is the third step. In it all, pray, confess, and ask God to guide you. Sometimes the pressure of the holidays can get in the way of its true meaning. Trying to keep up with holiday expectations can steal your joy. Define your holiday this year and every year going forward, release the burdens, don’t apologize for wanting to have a peaceful holiday, enjoy your holiday, and thank God for it all. Blessings everyone. I hope this helps. This is a note to self as well. P.S. “Peace” is the word that was placed on my heart as I was writing this. Protect your peace this holiday season. Wishing you blessings and so much joy. Oh, and if you’re on the receiving end of someone telling you that they can’t give or are struggling to give this year, if the usual plans for the holidays change, etc...be understanding. It’s not always easy sharing these types of things. The best thing to do is add to the joy and peace that they want for the holiday.