Here we are three days from Christmas and I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been busy wrapping gifts, checking the lists to make sure nothing has been forgotten, and feeling guilty about not baking any Christmas cookies. I would guess that this has been a stressful week for many. (Or am I the only one?)
I had a very anti-“Bah Humbug” joyful experience today, which is just what I needed. I called a hotel group, Choice Privileges, to book some rooms for some upcoming gigs. These days it seems rare and notable to get a real person
on the phone. I’m not just talking about automated systems…I mean like speaking to “real” people who are not just punching in and daydreaming about the upcoming evening’s TV line-up. It’s so refreshing to talk to people who are really living life. Chuck helped me today and had me smiling for about 99.9% of our 20-minute phone call. He really lifted my spirits! It’s amazing how a little cheerfulness can be quite contagious! (Thanks, Chuck!)
Jennifer Warner from WebMD Medical News wrote an article recently entitled, “Is Holiday Stress Overrated?”
We all tend to think that the stress levels are higher during this time of year, but the polls revealed that…
In fact, only four in 10 Americans said they feel the holidays are more stressful than other times of the year.
When people were asked to compare their holiday stress level to other times of the year, more than half (56%) said they felt about the same amount or less stress during the holidays.
So, do these findings tell us that we are handling the holidays well or that we are totally stressed-out throughout the entire year for a variety of reasons?
I read a verse this morning that really spoke to me.
“We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth for someone else to spend.” Psalm 39:6
This verse gave me permission, if even for a brief moment, to stop the madness in my head and just be. Isn’t that what this time of year should be about? Slowing down and reflecting on the most important gift that will ever be given…the birth of Jesus. The very next verse filled my heart with peace…
“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7
So, amidst the busyness that is the reality of this time of year, I pray that you, too, will find joy, peace, and hope!
P.S. If you haven’t seen The Nativity Story, you absolutely must!
[tags]Christmas, Choice Privileges, peace, hope, joy, holiday stress, Psalm 39, holidays[/tags]