Tis the Season to Be……..

Christmas Blessings from Jeff, Merikay, (picture) Melinda 22, Harrison 13, Emma Freda 9

I called one of my college roommates last week and she asked how things were going? I began to rattle off all the my husband and son are singing in Follow the Star at Church, we are scheduled to ring the Salvation Army Bell at Macy’s, Emma Freda is singing in Raleigh with the school Governor’s Choir, youth group Christmas party, Basketball practice, Choir Practice, Candlelight Service, ….blah…blah….blah…..Christmas shouldn’t be this crazy!” Silenty (which is tough for me sometimes) I realized that just verbalizing the “to-do’s” had me overwhelmed. Then Kathleen made the power statement, “Merikay, you can say no.” AAAAHHHHHAAAAAA!!!!

She was so right! We don’t have to do everything. We can set boundaries and determine our priorities. I’ve always tried to follow the principle of one sporting activity and one church activity at a time for my kids and try to limit my evening commitments to 2 nights so I can be with my family. I realized that with all the Christmas season opportunities, I let too many yes’s creep into the schedule. This time of year is about Jesus, not about chaos. What do you need to let go of? What do you need to say “NO” to? What do you need to re-prioritize so you have more JOY in your heart this time of year and less stress? Merry Christmas!