For some folks, the holidays are filled with family, love, and laughter. For others, the holidays are constant reminders of what is missing in your life. Either way, the holiday stress will probably visit you (despite the love, joy, and peace that should be the reason for the season).
Because someone is guaranteed to come at you wrong, steal your parking space, or tap dance on your last nerve. At least, that has been my experience:-). Here’s two ways to handle the holiday stress: resting and sowing.
Spiritual vs. Religious
Have you every heard someone say ‘I’m spiritual, not religious.’ The truth of the matter is that we are all spiritual. We are spiritual beings housed in bodies and the battle that’s happening in the unseen is what leads to stress.
Think about it: when someone steals your parking spot or comes at you wrong, typically, your body is not physically hurt. But your mind gets all in a tizzy about what happened, what you should have done, should have said, etc.
The Spirit v. The Soul
Because there is something happening with our spirits. The Bible talks A LOT about the spirit versus the soul (flesh). And I’m a little scared to broach this topic, because I don’t understand everything.
But here’s what I do know: we either sow to the spirit or to the soul (flesh).
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruptions; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8
Which ever one we sow to the most, is the one that gets stronger. So if you find yourself grumpy, irritated, and just plain out of sorts. Ask yourself ‘what am I sowing into?’
How I Sow
A few weeks ago, Morris came home and asked me how was my day. My response “I am sooooo irritated.” Then I proceeded to run down a litany of things that had gone wrong. He helped my dissect why I was so grumpy.
But then I saw a video by Kim Cash Tate where she explained meditating on God’s Word to stand on his promises. I had fallen into the ‘verse a day to keep the devil away’ and hadn’t really been using God’s Word as a shield against stress.
So I doubled-down and cut back on my media. Here’s a few other things I did:
- Listened to worship on YouTube (anything by William McDowell!)
- Wrote verses on index cards and reviewed them through out the day
- Made devotions my number one priority, once I jumped out of bed
Each of us has to come up with our own ways to sow, but I just wanted to share a few examples.
The Cure for Holiday Stress: R-E-S-T
We live in a hustle-bustle world and most of us get a lot of value out of ripping and running. But I want to encourage you to rest and recharge over the holidays. Often times when I’m stressed, it’s because I’ve taken on too much. Resist the urge to fill up your calendar and take time to reflect and rest.
There is a difference between good things and God things. Focus on the God things.
Speaking of Resting…
I’ll be taking off from this blog until mid-January! Wohoo! At first, I was scared. There’s all these unwritten rules about blogging and consistency, etc. etc. But it’s been on my heart ever since Faith Simone mentioned she was ‘going dark’ for the holidays.
And then Cindy Bultema shared how she got her book deal with Thomas Nelson, EVEN AFTER taking off the entire summer from blogging. And that was SERIOUS confirmation.
Besides, even the Good Lord rested on the seventh day…so who am I not to follow his example?! (I’ll still be responding to comments, though.)
I Love Y’all So Much…
But before I sign off, I want to say thank you SO much for an amazing 2015. Y’all have been reading, sharing, subscribing, commenting and helping to build this community.
I can’t even explain how it makes me feel to see y’all following each other on Twitter, mentioning each other in the comments, and sharing your stories.
That is my heart: for us to build a community of women (and men) that love God and support each other in all stages of their relationships. And it’s happening y’all. It’s really happening!
I am SO grateful. See y’all in 2016.
Love, peace, and hair grease, Simone
Question: How will you REST and fight holiday stress?
PS: Please subscribe, I’d love to have you join our family.
I don’t ‘know’ Cindy, but her book deal is a confirmation for me too, Simone! Letting go, slowing down, chilling out and taking time to breathe are my top priorities now. I’m fully expecting that doing those things will unleash my full creativity. And I love this: “There is a difference between good things and God things. Focus on the God things.” I feel my focus coming back already. I hope you enjoy every minute of this season! ((((hugs)))))
Faith Simone recently posted…I’m “Going Dark” for the Holidays!
Omigoodness! Isn’t it, though? I know in my heart that God doesn’t need me to help Him do what he is trying to do. But to see it shake out for Cindy like that was REALLY encouraging. I love your top priorities! And I’m following your lead…looking forward to seeing what God will do as we downshift and REST. Sending you a great big virtual hug too, Faith.
Love, peace, and hair grease! Haahah. I loved the article.
I had to learn how to eliminate stress from my life very quickly this year, because it had become a huge issue contributing to a major illness that i was faced with this year.
So when i find myself getting stress – i step back, take a deep breath, ask myself, ” can i fix the issue”. If i can resolve it, i move forward with resolving it. If i can’t resolve it, i cast it unto the Lord and leave it there.
Blessings my friend.
Nan
Hey, Nan! I hadn’t even thought about the health implications of being under long-term stress. Thank you for adding that to list of reasons why it is SO important to take a step back.
THIS RIGHT Here–>>So when i find myself getting stress – i step back, take a deep breath, ask myself, ” can i fix the issue”. If i can resolve it, i move forward with resolving it. If i can’t resolve it, i cast it unto the Lord and leave it there. All I can say to that is Amen, Nan. Amen.
I too am in a season of rest. This season has been SO fruitful and healing. May it be the same for you!!
Nicole recently posted…Taking the Leap
Amen to that, Nicole! Amen to that. I receive that. Isn’t AMAZING what the Lord can do when we are still?! Looking forward to reading about this season over on your blog, Sis.