Thought-Full or Thankful?

I just returned from a trip to Israel this past week, and in my absence, it was clear that the holiday season “arrived”.  Everywhere I went, I was bombarded by reminders of the approaching holidays; or maybe I should say the encroaching holidays?  Amid all the lights, decorations, plastic snow and strains of “Santa Claus is coming to town,” the heightened energy level was so thick, it felt inescapable. 

This is the time of year when our personal planners quickly fill with numerous obligatory appearances at a series of family and work-related festivities.  Time not delegated to these holiday gatherings gets consumed in preparing for them: baking traditional favorite dishes, writing and (e)mailing the annual newsletter, decorating, shopping, wrapping, shipping etc. etc.

While most of us enjoy the holiday season, we may also find ourselves caught up in the activity frenzy, and pushed into a stressed state.  Frequently this season of joy and peace becomes an endurance trial of frustration, as we search for elusive parking spots in overcrowded malls, and spend sleepless nights dreading the holiday meal with bickering extended family members.  Our anxiety rises as we wonder if our children will be delighted or disappointed with their gifts.  If we’re honest, we must admit at times we find ourselves wishing the season was behind us.  

Between the Ho, Ho, Ho’s, and Fa, la, la, la, la’s, a new holiday tradition has arisen: the 60 second expert interview on “Tips for Taming Holiday Stress” aired on our local nightly newscast.  Typical offerings include gems like, “use paper plates,” “travel after rush hour,” “buy prepared foods,” “set a budget,” and “get adequate sleep.”  Hardly earth-shattering!

I like the advice Jesus offered 2,000 years ago.  He had arrived with his followers at the home of his good friend Lazarus.  The size of this group would have been at least 13 and might have been 70 or more.  It was a major entertainment event, and Lazarus’ sister Martha immediately went into hyperactivity mode focusing on the preparations. Her sister, Mary, sat and listened to Jesus.  In a fit of irritability, Martha confronted Jesus demanding that He send Mary to help.  But Jesus told her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and spent over all these details.  There is only one thing worth being concerned about and Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

What did Mary discover?  She realized the importance of spending time in God’s presence.  In the midst of her hectic schedule she knew that focusing on God, listening to His direction would reset her priorities, and relieve her stress, as she saw her tasks from His perspective.

During the holidays, especially when I begin to feel overwhelmed, I think about things I am thankful for.  I get still, and start thanking God for these things. As I do, the feeling of stressful pressure engulfing me lifts, and my attitude shifts as I see things in a new way.  I leave refreshed, energized and centered again, ready to enjoy the season. 

                       

As you go through the upcoming holidays, when you get “thought-full” (full of too many “to do” thoughts), take some time to be thankful to God for all the good things in your life.  Let His perspective give you back the joy and wonder of the season!

Come and join us this Sunday at 10:30AM as we continue the discussion on the life- giving power of God’s presence.   My sermon, “ Pursuing His Presence Through Our Worship,” is part 3 in our current series on “Wired for Worship.”