'Tis the Season

Yesterday, whilst finishing a few Christmas errands with my tiny people, I had a full-fledged, “I don’t know if I should drive myself home” panic attack. I was feeling overwhelmed by all of the places we had to be this season, all of the names I needed to remember of family I barely knew, how cranky my littles are going to be with all of the traveling during nap times, and was wondering where my magic Christmas savings account had run off to. I was just over it.

How sad that this is what Christmas has become. What I let Christmas become. My focus has been placed so heavily on gifts, and perfectly shaped Christmas tree cookies (that always end up looking like straight-up triangles), and services, and activities. I have taken the joy and triumph out of the most amazing season of celebration.

I am weary. I am beyond weary. I sat in my car in the Target parking lot and wept. Sloppy, uncontrollable weeping in front of my two children. I opened up my phone and began to scroll through Facebook while trying to calm down (because what else do you do in these moments?). A precious friend had posted a spontaneous worship set from BethelTV. Watch it here if your heart needs some extra special lovin’ from the Lord.

He has come to overwhelm the thing that’s overwhelmed you.

This spoke so much peace to my spirit. He overwhelms this life that has overwhelmed me. He sent his son to do the hard part for me. What else do I have to worry about? This season is about that loving sacrifice. God already knew the end of the story. He already knows the end of my story. If I truly believe that He is good and His desires for me are good, I need to do nothing more than to lay back in his goodness.

I’m thankful that I was hit with this reality check before the holiday passed me by. I’m thankful for a God that lovingly reminds me of his grace and passion for me. I’m thankful that in gentle, quiet moments in the Target parking lot, my Savior can grab my hand and tell me it’s all ok. If the presents don't get wrapped, if the cookies burn, if the kids cry during the candlelight service, it’s still ok. His love is the same. If the holidays are a stressful time for you and you don’t have a relationship with the Almighty Comforter, I invite you to reach out. Reach out to me. Reach out to Heather. Reach out to a friend. Reach out to a local church. ’Tis the season.

xoxo
Molly