There’s a lot of wisdom floating around this time of year…I can find advice on how to create a magical Christmas, or how to experience a calm and serene holiday. There are tips for frugal giving and creative giving. There are recipes everywhere. I read how to make peace with your family, or how to find peace in spite of your family. We can all get along, or agree to disagree and not stress…whatever your point of view, there’s an article, or a blog post, or even a book, to support it.
I confess, there are times when almost all of these opinions fit my mood. I have my moments. Who wouldn’t want to create the perfect Christmas scene? Or the memorable family moment? And yet, I also want the quiet, the calm, the focus, of saying “Enough!” I don’t want to be all about the externals and neglect the important. I want to be generous, and yet not foolish…I want to do for others, but I don’t want to be undone by my efforts to do it all, have it all, be all.
So, in the spirit of seeking balance and vision during this month of magic, which is also a month of stress, consider these pearls:
Stop the glorification of busy.
Think the best of each other, especially of those you say you love. Assume the good, and doubt the bad. ~ Jeffrey R. Holland
Practice the pause. When in doubt, pause. When angry, pause. When tired, pause. When stressed, pause. And whenever you pause, pray!
“Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys.” ~ Rita Schiano
“Grace isn’t a little prayer you say before receiving a meal. It’s a way to live.”
“I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection.”
I think everyone’s looking for a simpler way this Christmas. Thanks for the smiles!
Effective presentation…thanks.
Glad you enjoyed! ~ Sheila
“Pause”. I love it!
~d.
p.s. loving the upside down snowman.
Oh, I did too! I loved the cleverness of this. Wish I was creative enough to think of doing that! But next time we have a snow, I may have to give it a try! I’m great at copying! ~ Sheila
Loved the wisdom in this post .. and your new blog layout is beautiful!
🙂
MJ
Thank you! I wanted something red for the holidays, but simple…just what I was looking for!
I thought these were wonderful finds…especially the first one…the glorification of busy!…and the images…loved the whimsy of the snowman and the image of the words hugging the woman. There are such lovely things posted on the internet! So much free inspiration! ~ Sheila
Good start…I’m ready for each day…