Sunday, November 24, 2013

Give up Christmas Expectations and LOVE yourself

 Why do I try so hard to look as if I have it all together? I know I don't! You know I don't, but yet I still try.  As, I sit here on my 12 yr old dirty and falling apart couch with my kids who are really getting on my nerves, my hubby who I just grumbled at is scratching something together to eat for himself and the kids.  I sit among a house in disarray with Christmas décor scattered all over the living room with my tree that has a short in the lights. All I really want to do is cry.  I have soooo much to be thankful for healthy children who can run and play in this big mess!  A hubby who loves me in my "yuck" moments, that I am in at the moment. But, most of all I have a Savior Jesus who saved me from my sins.

So, why can't I muster up a happy spirit and get to decorating my pre-lit spinning tree?  Is it because my sister who I thought up until 8 hrs ago was coming to stay a few days is not coming? Or is it because the lights on the upper part of the tree aren't working? Or feeling sorry for myself because I'm broke this season. Or is it the combo of all of it?

I have all these big expectations for myself... Big garlands around my kitchen window, bay-window & front door.  I want my tree to look professionally put together (like on Pinterest). Not like my children who still want to decorate our tree actually did it!  I want beautifully wrapped gifts that coordinate with the tree! My 2-elves (elf on the shelf) make messes daily so my kids 'can show them grace.' I would like to make sure my already purchased C-mas cards go out on Dec. 2nd and I get my 20 free Walgreen's Thank-you cards created before the deadline!  I'd better get to making chex-mix and other goodies for the neighbors along with doing a daily devotions & advent calendar activities with my children. I need something great for my hubby for C-mas without having to spend a fortune I don't have, and hinting over and over for what he'd like.  Anxiety is creeping over me at the moment.  I'm just being real sisters!

So right now I'm going to think about what is *true* about myself (Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Philippians 4:8)....I CP am-
-Loved (by-Jesus, Grant, Family & Friends)
-I'm cared for
-I'm a good cook
-I care for my family better that I give
myself credit for
-I'm training my children up in the way
of the Lord Jesus Christ
-I want the best for others
-I pray often and I'm truly strengthened
by the Lord
-I know how to make those closest to me "smile"
-I'm dependable
-I'm creative
-I'm a good teacher

Wow, honestly that really did help!  If you are struggling with the "expectations" you have put on yourself stop.  Sit down and make a list of the gifts and talents you have.  God created us all different and He did this because he knows best.  Life is not fair it never will be.  Jesus totally understands, think of how fair his life was?  Sit still, and ask Jesus how He feels for you in this moment.  You and I were worth dying for yes dying for!

This poor pathetic tree is a good reminder of myself in a life of expectations.  I can't do it!  I can't function under my crazy "expectations".  What does God expect of me this Christmas?    "And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly[a] with your God. "
Micah 6:8
So this Christmas I'm going to have my kids decorate our tree as I sip on something warm with kids Christmas carols playing in the background. I'm not gonna fix that strand of lights that isn't working as a reminder to myself that I don't have to meet my "MISS Perfect" expectations.  If I do anymore Christmas decorating it will because I want to not because I have to!

The birth of Jesus is the reason for the season and what a beautiful gift you and I were given.  Join me in not allowing the joy and blessings to be stolen from us.

Love to each of you who read this blog!  May you join me in my efforts to slow down and take the *crazy expectations* off of ourselves!  What do you like most and dislike most during the holidays?

Give credit where credit is do-
Biblegateway.com
Pinterest- Jesus, Santa & the Elf on the Shelf