Preparing for the Holiday Season

As leaders, we give the example of handling life and ministry in the pattern of Jesus. The holiday season puts a lot of pressure on women as they see to the myriad of details in preparation and family activities. Take the opportunity in early November to give the women in your ministry the ability to move through the holidays with the Peace of the Lord.

The main focus for us does not change because the seasons change--we must meet the Lord daily in His Word and in prayer to continue the process of receiving our daily bread. There is a visual that I love to use. When you place rice (representing the details of the season) and put walnuts (prayer, bible study, family relationships, friend relationships) on top they just don't all fit in the jar. However, when the walnuts go in first and the rice is poured over them, it all fits nicely in the jar.

That is a picture of our daily lives and the details will flow around us. It is also important to know that we do not have to be the Martha Stewart of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we just need to love our families and share the memories of holiday food and fun together. When I think back on my childhood, it isn't that my mother's mashed potatoes weren't lumpy or that the table centerpieces were elaborate or that we had an artistic wreath on our door; it was how sweet it was to be with my family and the time we spent playing games, baking together and having friends in our home.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". Matthew 5:33-34