Pushing Through to Find Peace
It’s almost here! Christmas is in 7 days.
I get excited when I think how close it is, yet when I look at all the things left to do, the excitement could easily turn into anxiousness.
[bctt tweet=”Many times when we are almost to the finish line, we feel the urge to give up.” username=”Alisa_Nicaud”]
My encouragement for today is, Push Through. Pushing Through means not giving up on the peaceful environment just because we’re down to the wire. It means pressing through all the busyness over the coming days and making Christ the center of our attention. It also means not letting the whirlwind of events swirl us into the chaos that can frequently come the week before Christmas.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed our schedule beginning to overfill. In the past when this has happened, there has been a potential for exhaustion to set in. Exhaustion can lead to bad attitudes and emotional melt downs~ and I’m not just referring to the kids.
So…. We’ve devised a plan to make our house as peaceful as possible over the coming days.
Our first strategy is staying connecting to God. He will help us to wrap up loose ends, find the perfect gifts for those last few people we need to buy for and give us ideas on what to cook. In the midst of the busyness, He will help us to maintain peace. He is capable, for “He never sleeps nor slumbers.”
As we spend time with Him, we will find the strength we need to push through.
Next we are going to make it a point to stay connected to each other. With my husband working late, the kids doing sports and other events, and me blogging every day, there is a potential for us to go days without connecting as a family. Each night we will try to take 20-30 minutes to spend as a family, downloading our day and bonding. Knowing I have spent adequate time with my husband and children brings refreshment and fulfillment to my soul.
As we spend time together as a family, we will have the capacity to push through.
Our last focus will be on staying tuned in to the needs of others. Today as we were buying a few Christmas gifts, we met a woman with 2 small boys buying a gift to send to her husband who was in Afghanistan. As we began talking with her, we found out she is visiting her family in Louisiana for Christmas since her husband was deployed. I immediately became grateful for my family being together and also for the families that serve our country.
When we stay tuned in to the needs of others, it gives us the heart to push through.
Practical Tips for Pushing Through:
Stay Connected to God– One way to stay connected to God is through daily devotions. One app that I use is YouVersion. There is a list of great plans for each day that you can subscribe to.
Stay Connected to Family– Each night plan to spend time together as a family. If you only have a few minutes, let each person tell a little bit about their day and then pray together. On the nights you have more time, read a Christmas story, watch a great Christmas movie or do some baking together.
Stay Tuned in to Others– While your out around town, notice others around you. Sometimes we are so focused on getting our stuff done, we can walk right past an opportunity to bless someone. Even a small gesture of holding a door open for someone with their hands full can be a huge blessing.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for everything you do for us. Help us to be a blessing to others. Lord help us to push through this next week, while keeping You at the center. As we approach the birthday of Christ, help us to remain peaceful and joyful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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