Gathering together with old friends or family brings
wholeness to the holidays, right? Events
line the calendar with arrival times and what dish to bring. As the day nears, mixed emotions may
arise. Excitement develops in hopes to
see people not seen since last year.
Love overflows for those so dear and near our heart. Peace washes over our thoughts to know the
comforts of home await. Sounds good,
right? Well, after those emotions settle
in, the enemy begins his prowl and floods our mind with other emotions. Fear of the person who hurt us for years in
the past. Frustration boils due to the
division of families. Sadness overwhelms
for the family not present for whatever reason.
Even anger works its way in to destroy the celebration.
There we sit not sure how to approach this event, no desire
to bring anything and feeling like our family is a mess! Then, we place the pressure on ourselves to
shine brighter than last year so others cannot see the inner strife going on in
the mind. We stress over outfits,
hairstyles, makeup, shoes, accomplishments over the year, etc. We do the same for each member that will be
arriving with us. The enemy won by
stealing all excitement, love and peace associated with the event. Another holiday passes without any spiritual
growth or maturity.
Funny thing amongst all this mess. . .99% of the population
can relate to the above description. If
you took 10 of your closest friends, threw all your family “stuff” together in
a pile, examined all the others and chose one; I am sure you would walk away
with your family “stuff”. Not minimizing
anyone’s troubles, just saying it is inevitable due to imperfection of mankind. We will disappoint, hurt, anger and frustrate
one another. Yet, we will also love,
laugh, uplift and bring joy to one another as well. So, the goal is make it through, right?
Let’s take an approach this year different than the
past. Let’s not just make it through;
yet, let’s shine through and plant a seed in the hearts of everyone
encountered. How, when frustrations grow
stronger each year, anger festers for 364 days prior and tears continue to
fall? Well, my friend, I have some Good
News to share that will help.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved
you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my
disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over
disputable matters.” Romans 14:1
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all
for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians
10:31
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most
of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned
with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6
Each morning, choose a person you will face at an event and
pray for them. Remember the grace given
unto you. . .pour that grace out to others.
Fill your thoughts with Truth so that the enemy’s fiery darts may be extinguished. The enemy has no power over our God Who already
won the battle. No family is
perfect. As you choose to shine God’s
light onto family and friends, only joy, peace, excitement and love will flow
through you.
Try it. . .what do you have to lose?
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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