Managing Holiday Stress

Chuckle: A motorist and his wife had been arguing and hadn't spoken for miles. Suddenly the man pointed to a mule in a pasture they were passing. "A relative of yours?" he asked. "Yes," the wife replied, "by marriage!"

Quote: “Keep your sense of humor. There's enough stress in the rest of your life to let bad shots ruin a game you're supposed to enjoy.” –Unknown source

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).

The Christmas holidays can be a stressful time when we become too busy rushing to do too many things in too little time. We can find ourselves in such a frenzy that not only do we become stressed out, but we risk completely missing the peace and joy that Christmas should bring to us. In this stressed-out condition, even small irritations can become huge at times. Even though little stresses only last a short time, if they aren't managed they can accumulate and leave us unable to handle the larger stresses of life. We can't afford to spend emotional energy on things that don't really matter. Let them go!

To help relieve some stress, you might consider making some small, but important, choices in your life. Give yourself an extra few minutes of travel time to appointments. Eliminate some unnecessary activities outside the home. Do you really need to be there? Let the answering machine pick up your messages for a while. Identify the little stresses and determine to keep them in perspective.

Another way to get some reprieve from stress is to shorten your "To Do List." However, the only way to find real peace and contentment is to enter the restful and peace-giving presence of God. He provides His people rest -- rest in Him! "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV). The most important thing you can change is to acknowledge God as you go through your day. Pray for strength and patience. Ask for His wisdom as you plan your schedule. Look for His blessings in your life and don't forget to thank Him.

Our Proverbs passage, gives us God's promise if we acknowledge and trust him in all we do. He will guide and direct us along our path (Proverbs 3:6 NIV). As we acknowledge God and invite Him into the details of our lives we will find ourselves living with more peace and balance. Isn't it time for a change? It serves us well to dwell on the words of Jesus: "My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." (John 14:27 NIV).

Each of us is wise if we make time for rest and renewal during the holidays. We should get away with our Lord in a quiet place and rest in Him as we consider His miraculous birth two thousand years ago. You'll see how He multiplies your time, eliminates the stress, and provides peace that the world can never understand! It's my prayer that you will experience God's peace and joy this Christmas season.

Love, Jerry & Dotse