Stop the Hurry
Christmastime brings about a dichotomy of feelings for many people.
As Christians, we celebrate our Savior’s birth with worship services, family gatherings, and traditions. And while it is a joyous occasion, many struggle with conflicting feelings. According to the American Psychological Association:
“Two in five U.S. adults (43%) would use both positive and negative words to describe the holidays, and 72% agree that the holiday season can feel bittersweet.
Four in five adults (80%) would describe the holidays in positive terms such as fun (50%), joyous (49%), or exciting (45%)
While 63% would use negative words such as stressful (40%), overwhelming or exhausting (34% each).”
So what gives? Why do so many people find Christmas enjoyable and miserable at the same time?
Well, we are constantly under spiritual attack, and the Christmas season is no exception. The strategies that Satan uses are clever and effective and are often camouflaged. God’s Word points us to peace, love, joy, and hope as we ponder the baby Jesus. But Satan’s strategy is to pull us away from God’s Christmas promises and replace them with stress, exhaustion, and depression.
I believe he does this through hurry. The month of December is too often spent in a frantic race. We redline as we operate on adrenaline. So much to do. Preparing. Grading. Planning. Spending. Scheduling. Visiting. Arranging. Decorating. Baking. Singing. Traveling. Rushing.
The pace is unsustainable. Eventually, we begin to experience spiritual, emotional, and physical fatigue. John Mark Comer, author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, reminds us that hurry is incompatible with the way of Jesus. He says, “Hurry is violence on the soul.” The Christmas quartet of peace, love, joy, and hope are impossible to embrace in a life of speed.
So how should we proceed? The world is not going to slow down as it whirls into a “holidaze”, but we can intentionally control our pace.
Establish personal margin and maintain spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Ask for help when you need it. Reach out to your coach, mentor, or trusted friend!
Use this Christmas season as a “separator season” to slow down. Set aside time for deep dives into Scripture relating to the birth of Jesus.
Establish limits on your holiday activities and spending. Resist over-indulging at Christmas gatherings and parties.
Ponder God’s goodness in the promised Messiah! Go ahead–take a moment right now to slow down in prayer.
May God bless you with an unhurried Christmas!
Looking for support as you set goals, seek new habits, and head into a new year? Consider getting a mentor!
At Blueprint Schools, we always aim to be in a “mentor sandwich.” Being in a mentor sandwich means that you’re aiming to be in the middle of mentorship: in the process of mentoring someone else AND in the process of being mentored yourself.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about our mentorship and leadership programs. (And if you don’t see a time there that works for you, don’t hesitate to send us an email at danakirchoff@gmail.com).
———————
Find this article helpful?
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter. We send it out with each new article on Fridays. It’s a great reminder each week to pause and focus on the “important” in the middle of all the “urgent” at school!
