Happy Thanksgiving. Merry Christmas. Beautiful words. They roll off our tongues with relative ease. I do not doubt they are spoken with the best of intent. Yet, sometimes we discover we are not so “happy” and “merry” ourselves. It may help us to say “no” more often. Here are some starters.
- Say no to a hectic, breathless, go everywhere, do everything schedule that leaves you physically and emotionally drained.
- Say no to the idea that you must find each person on your list just the perfect gift.
- Say no to the misguided thought that your home must look perfect inside and out for Christmas.
- Say no to the temptation to spend beyond your means.
- Say no to the false narrative that you must always have it all together and that this year will bring the perfect Christmas.
On the other hand, say “yes” to that which will matter beyond the holidays such as drawing closer to Christ in private and public worship, loving on your family, serving others like your neighbors with some fresh baked cookies and an invitation to join you at church!
I think you get it! But in case you don’t, I think this statement I once read will bring some clarity. “Enjoy the little things in life because one day you`ll look back and realize they were the big things.”
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas,
Pastor Chuck