One Way to Manage the Demands of the Season
I needed help. That was not a question.
With 3 little boys and a baby girl due soon, there were things I couldn’t do anymore. So when my sweet husband came home from work, he formed a habit of getting to work at home.
He helped me do things that weren’t normally a problem but things that had become difficult as my due date drew nearer. Bathe the kids, feed the dogs, put away towels – just about anything that required bending or reaching.
I was so very thankful for his willing heart and helping hands, but one day as he sat down next to me I realized something – while I loved all of the things Luke was doing for me, I wouldn’t want him to only do things for me.
Sometimes – in fact most of the time – I would much rather him sit down beside me and be with me instead of work for me. That’s how we connect in a meaningful, fulfilling way.
Sometimes, I think I miss this piece of my relationship with God. I’m always on the move, working for the Lord, but never taking time to sit with Him.
I need to spend less time doing for God and more time simply being with Him.
The holidays present an especially “doing” time of year. And it’s not that what we’re doing is bad. We’re doing good things – loving people and serving places. But in all our doing, we can run dry and become burdened, frazzled, anxious and edgy, because we haven’t made time to be with God.
In John 15, Jesus says He is the True Vine.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)
I tend to focus my attention on the fruit. Wind me up, point me in a direction and off I march chanting, Bear fruit. Bear fruit. How do I show love to everyone in the world who is hurting? How can I heap blessings on my family? The list goes on.
But 8 times in John 15:1–15 Jesus says Remain followed by in me, in my love, or in the vine.
The vine produces the fruit. The branch is the passageway for all the good stuff, and the branch bears the fruit; but the branch does not create the fruit.
Remember our phrase from a few weeks ago? Breathe. Pray. God has me today.
Take a minute and breathe a deep sigh of relief with me. We have one job today: Stay connected to Jesus.
Time spent with God will produce a meaningful Christmas.
While outside demands may increase this time of year, our souls depend on the source of our Savior. All of those demands will find their place as we sit with our Savior. I pray today that you will be free from burdens and expectations of the season and be filled with the fruit of the Vine, Jesus.
Did you miss the Just Breathe online event? You can still purchase the recording of the live event for only $12.99. Join us as we talk about how to:
- Set boundaries to help you manage family drama during the holidays
- Take care of yourself when time is short and demands are high
- Build support systems to help you navigate changes in life
- Create realistic expectations so you can enjoy your holiday season to the fullest
- Decorate, cook, and look your best for the holidays
Click here to purchase the recording today!
