Don’t you find it terribly ironic that after the day of giving thanks and being grateful for what we have, the culture pushes us to flock to stores to get more stuff? It’s hard to find a heathy balance between giving thoughtful gifts and just collecting more things. Throw in the Christmas concerts, school parties, and company gatherings to send a girl spinning.
So, what gift can you give yourself this year?
Give yourself the gift of GRACE.
What does this look like? It looks like cutting yourself some slack when you’re pinched for time. It means taking a nap when the baby is sleeping because you stayed up late wrapping presents. It looks like making frozen pizzas for dinner and not feeling guilty about it. It means treating yourself the way a friend would treat you, extending grace and not holding yourself to an impossible standard.
Why is this so hard for us? I have no idea, but I certainly have learned over the years to give myself grace when I find myself trying to climb the ladder of impossible expectations.
Take a minute and ask yourself what is stressing you out right now? What could you do with this to give yourself grace?
What about...
STRESS: Feeling guilty for not making homemade cookies for your child’s school function
GRACE: Telling guilt to take a hike and buy the cookies
STRESS: Not having the house decorated exactly the way you want it
GRACE: Being fully present in the moment and grateful for the people inside your home
STRESS: Not being able to find that perfect gift for your loved one
GRACE: Gifts don’t ever last. Your presence and love last. Take pressure off yourself.
This time of year can bring out the best and worst in people. Invite God to fill you with grace and let it affect the world around you. After all, we received the gift of grace from our good Father, shouldn’t you share the wealth?