December 21 Thought for the day...handling the holidays

It is Christmas time, a time of great joy, excitement, and stress. Today's thought may help you deal with the stress of family and expectations.

Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians 14:40

"Let all things should be done decently and in order."

Paul's reference here is how things should be done in the church. I think that we can apply the same principles to everything that takes place over the holidays. So much of the stress we put ourselves through is because we don't honestly assess how we are feeling or speak lovingly and honestly to the family and friends we spend time with over the holiday.

Paul's use of the word "decently" in the Greek implies, being real, honestly and handling things properly. It is hard to be fake for a long period of time. We hurt our relationships when we are not real nor honest in a loving way.

The word Paul uses for the phrase "in order" means to be respectful, courteous, differential, and organized. If we can not allow things to get away from us, prior planning prevents poor performance. Being on edge will add to our stress and tension but taking the time to plan but not so intensely planned that you forget to treat family and guest with courtesy and respect.

In other words allow your times together to be real and honest organized but flexible enough that your family and guest are treated with courtesy.

Let your holiday be filled with peace, less hectic and more like Jesus. After all He is the "prince of peace" and wants your home filled with peace especially at this time of year