With Thanksgiving upon us I thought it would be nice to share with you a few things that help me reduce stress, be in the moment and focus on what's most important. Hopefully you will find them helpful as well and enjoy a nice, festive season with your loved ones.
It has taken me a few years of maturing as a mother and wife to be able to make those tough decisions and do what is best for my family. What I am meaning to say is, having the power to say No and not overextending myself or my family. We no longer try to see all family in one day, dragging tired kids around. I no longer agree to carry the burden of bringing multiple dishes to the potluck. I have learned to embrace the power I have in prioritizing my own mental health and capacity to only do so much. Does that make sense?
My children are less stressed feeding off my negative energy of trying to be everything to everyone. There are moments throughout the day where I feel I could have done more or should have brought one additional pie, but I push those thoughts away and remind myself I have done what I am able to contribute and focus on the lighter load, listening to my family's stories around the dinner table, playing games with my kids, watching my mom’s joy of having her family around and overall feeling lighter.
As I prepare for the business of the season, below are a few versus that speak to my heart.
- "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:8-9
- "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34
Are you tasked with saying the Thanksgiving grace? Here is a great one my father always shares:
Lord thank you for bringing our family together today. We give thanks for the food we are about to receive, please bless it to our bodies. Our hearts are forever grateful for those who prepared it. We pray for the family who could not be with us today. We pray for good health and spiritual guidance as we continue this journey. Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
As you kick off your holiday shopping, pick yourself up this amazingly soft sweatshirt that spreads His message!
