[This is the first in a series of posts we are doing as a personal blog posts to feed your souls. Check out the rest of them here.]
I talked in the introduction of the series that this season is one geared towards hope, compassion, and rest. In my own personal life, it is definitely filled with hot chocolate, too many cookies, lots of ping pong with family, and lots and lots of presents. I have too many good memories to share in this series.
But I also have a bit of a unique view of people that see the holidays as a time to remember pain, not having anything, and struggling.
At a young age, we would have a tradition of giving gifts to others. We took this to a place were we actually spent several years only getting one gift per person in the family and going to a family who was in poverty and supplying them with many gifts and a Christmas meal. This might have been where my desire to serve the marginalize started.
Now working as a mental health and substance use counselor, I see this as a time where people struggle with addictions because they would drink or a time where they can’t spend time with families.
Further, I see church techies giving of their time that doesn’t start on Christmas Eve. These services require so much planning, preparation, and effort outside of service times. You’re dedication is important, seen, and appreciated. Thank you.
Find Renewal
With all of this put into context, my heart is that you be renewed.
- Be with your family when you can. Whatever project you thought about “hustling” with this weekend.
- Take a nap or three. You get to work with your children and spouse but you also have the excuse you have too much turkey in you and you need to sleep.
- Remember that hobby you loved to do and haven’t done in awhile? Try it again. Tennis? Drawing? Board games? Break from the normal and go give any or all of them a shot.
- Do not forget Jesus. If you haven’t opened a Bible in a year just to read it, do it. No sermons, no social media graphics, just for you. And then pray. And pray some more.
- Don’t let this be work focused. Don’t let this be side hustling.
I will leave you with this Scripture that I will be reflecting on this holiday season.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Psalms 37:7
What are you doing this Christmas to renew your soul?
[Image via _Tiler]
Anne says
Thanks for sharing Jeremy. I’ll be relecting on Proverbs 29:11 http://biblejar.com/bible-verse/proverbs-2911/ this holiday season. God bless.