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What if… We discovered that Christmas really was more than holiday get-togethers, calculated gifts, and the compulsory visits to relatives we otherwise would not speak to?
Would we truly experience Christmas?
What if… We really got it; that Christmas is about the birth of a Savior?
Would we realize our need for Him?
What if… We stopped trying to live perfect lives, pretending we had it all together?
Would we become real?
“Do you hear what I hear?”
Do you hear the baby Jesus cry, born in a stable so long ago on a cold winter’s night?
Do you hear his mother, little more than a child herself, soothe him with words of love?
Do you follow his wandering gaze around the stable where cows and sheep stare back at this unknown intruder?
Can you feel the warm sticky breath of these animals as they moved closer to have a look?
Do you hear what I hear?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son….”
—John 3:16
Christmas: a time of decorated trees and fireplace mantels. A time filled with commitments and hectic schedules as we make mad dashes to the store for last-minute presents.
Our “have to” lists are long and sometimes burdensome. But the love list attached to each of those gifts we select and purchase are filled with joy and anticipation; we can’t wait to see the pleasure our gift will bring to someone we love.
Both lists are necessary. One fulfills a sense of duty and propriety. The other fills our heart with joy.
A neighbor called and asked if she could come over. I was surprised since I had just seen her and her husband the night before. But she was such a delightful and bubbly person that I quickly and enthusiastically said yes.
When she arrived, she held in her hand a large carton of heavy Costco cream – the kind I enjoyed using in my coffee.
I invited her in, and she handed me the box of cream. “This is for you.”
The look on my face reflected my surprise and confusion. As she declined my offer to sit down and have a cup of coffee with me, I went to get my purse to pay for the cream.
What?! Thank you for runny noses, staying up all night, cereal dumped on the floor, clothes strewn everywhere, muddy feet, muddy floors, dogs and cats and garter snakes?
Yes, even with sleepless nights, worried nights, “No’s”, stomping feet and even, “I hate you’s,” there is nothing like my kids.
Through thick and thin, I love them. They are God’s special blessings to me. And especially now that I am older, I appreciate them even more and the wonderful memories of raising them to be strong adults.
At a women’s retreat, I asked, “Who has experienced stress in the past week?”
All hands went up. I then asked how they knew they were stressed. Their comments ranged from “constantly feeling overwhelmed” to “exhausted.”
They were unable to get everything done that was expected of them and there was little time left for pleasure or relaxation. They felt there was never enough time, there was too much to do, and they were constantly required to learn something new.
As I jotted their responses on the white board, I was reminded again of just how many demands are placed on us every day and the heavy toll it can have on our lives.
There are days I don’t want to get out of bed or go to work or face another day of caregiving.
I don’t feel like being kind to my neighbors or overlooking minor irritations.
I don’t want to know I can choose to forgive or be responsible for how I react to others. It is much easier to blame.
I’m tired of working through all my problems. I don’t want to make the tough choices required of me.
And yet, would I really want to give up the freedom I have to make those difficult choices of getting up, forgiving, and working through tough problems?
Life can change in the blink of an eye; one minute you are living life to the fullest and the next you are faced with some catastrophe. Whether it is the loss of a job or a loved one who has been diagnosed with a serious illness, you hear yourself cry out, “Please God, No.”
Whatever the situation, whether you have just received some earth-shattering news or you have simply reached a point where everything in life lacks purpose or meaning, it is a place where you recognize as never before your shortcomings and reach out to God for guidance and strength, and friends for support and encouragement.
Years ago, as part of a design team developing a ten-week program for individuals living with chronic illness and pain, I produced and recorded my first relaxation audio recording for Kaiser Permanente.
I produced a second one some years later with an Emmy-nominated friend who composed the background music for it.
As you listen and follow the instructions in my Relaxation audio, you will focus on the process of breathing. You will tighten different muscle groups, breathe deeply, and then release the tension as you breathe out.
When practiced each day for at least 30 days, you will become aware of where you hold your tension and will learn how to quickly release that tension.
Every day we get up, go to work, make meals, clean our houses, and try to unwind at the end of the day. We are adjusting to whatever demands are put on us. When properly channeled, stress provides the energy and adaptability to live happy, energetic, and productive lives.
Each person responds to life differently. What one person sees as overwhelming energizes another. Personality traits and our genetic predisposition play a role in how we perceive and respond to circumstances. But that does not mean we are locked into only one way of responding to life’s challenges.
When we recognize and understand what creates a negative stress response for us, we can alter our approach and put that stress to work for us instead of against us.