Expectations: What Did you Want for Christmas?

Did you get what you really wanted for Christmas? I got some things I wanted, but not everything. How about you? Did you ask for diamonds and get rust? Did you want to see family and get discord? Did you want laughter and get tears? I got very sick Christmas night, which I didn’t ask for, but I got it anyway. I was fortunate that I had it for only one night though it left me tired the next day. Yet it gave me time to reflect on my own life. I hope my insights help you overcome any disappointments you may have experienced.

I saw that I put a great emphasis on decorating and buying presents this year. I didn’t forget about Jesus, He’s part of the fabric of my life, but my focus wasn’t there. I tried to keep Him primary, but got too busy. There was room for Him at the manager, replete with the angelic faced Mary and humble Joseph and heralding angels, but no so much in the living room of my heart. I wanted things this year, small things, but nonetheless things. I wanted family, fun, friends, peace and harmony. I had fun at Disney with two of my grandchildren, my grandson and daughter in law, but then I got a dent in the rental car, that put a crimp into the vacation. Yet it all got worked out in a very unusual way! 

When I arrived home, I wanted peace in my family and there was some discord. It all worked out in the end, but it wasn’t perfect. I wanted to have fun eating, playing games and unwrapping gifts, but there was some tension. I wanted everything perfect. Did I just admit that? I wanted perfection? Perhaps. It might be part of my artistic nature, but still it’s a part that can drag me down, when circumstances don’t go my way. The Lord showed me I don’t have to do everything, neither do you. It’s hard when you are the one who can usually do it all, but there’s something to be learned in slowing down and taking life as it comes.

I’ve coped with a lot in the family—addiction, depression, anxiety, but not as much as some people with their deep griefs and losses. For some the Christmas season is like a dagger to the heart, but I’ve always loved Christmas, though a little less this year because of some of the issues I dealt with during the season—family tensions, stresses and tempers. I also had to cancel my annual Christmas party because I was sick one day and didn’t want to get others sick. I had everything ready. Disappointing. Yet it gave me the time to sit down and write this blog post. I also had some funding problems with this Christian newsletter our writer’s group has started. Another disappointment. And the devotional book I wrote, I AM Calling is not selling well, though I was told people don’t buy paperback devotionals anymore, but it still is disheartening.  So what’s the bottom line?

·       Don’t build up such high expectations for Christmas, holidays, birthdays and life. Easier said than done, but  something to watch out for and guard your heart against.

·         Submit all plans to the Lord and wait on Him. How? Let Him lead and guide you. See where He takes you, what opportunities He opens up to you.

·         Be in prayer daily and keep your ears open to what He says. Take time for Him to respond either through scripture reading, meditating on the Word of God or worship songs.

·         Don’t be easily discouraged. Take comfort in Him. Read the Psalms and encourage your soul in Him.

·         Give yourself time to breath, relax, regroup, rest and create.

·         Enjoy the blessings God has given you. Don’t always go venturing over the rainbow, but look in your own backyard for pots of gold.

·         Take time to do what you truly enjoy; the gifts God has given you.

I hope you have a beautiful and blessed New Year filled with contentment and peace!!!

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