Pacing Your Way to a Peaceful Holiday
The holiday season is in full swing, and if you're anything like me, you've noticed a significant uptick in the hustle and bustle. Just the other day, I was running a quick errand during lunchtime and was surprised by the heavier-than-usual traffic. Every restaurant and store was packed, a testament to the frenzy that accompanies the days leading up to Christmas.
While it's easy to get caught up in the rush, I've been reminded of a simple yet powerful truth that God has spoken over me: pacing yourself leads to peace. It's okay if you haven't finished all your Christmas shopping or finalized that year-end contract or gotten all the teacher gifts handed out. Remember, there's a time for everything.
The holiday season can feel like a marathon, with a seemingly endless list of tasks. But sometimes, the true victory lies not in the speed at which we complete the race, but in simply crossing the finish line.
To help me embrace this principle, I've adopted the acronym PACE as a reminder for the coming year:
Pray Often: Connect with God regularly, seeking His guidance and strength.
Allow Yourself Breaks: Take time to rest and recharge.
Conserve Your Energy: Prioritize tasks and avoid overcommitting.
Embrace Mindfulness: Be present in the moment and savor life's simple pleasures, such as journaling about your emotions during the holidays or taking a post-meal walk. Choose practices that bring you peace.
To help you implement this principle, consider incorporating a Sabbath day into your holiday routine. A Sabbath day is a dedicated time of rest and worship. I foster a sabbath day practice on Sundays after church. I spend my Sundays resting at home while listening to worship music, reading scripture, or reconnecting with friends. It's a day to disconnect from the demands of work and life and reconnect with God. By setting aside a specific day for rest, you can recharge your batteries, reduce stress, and increase your overall well-being.
A Sabbath day can look different for everyone. For some, it may involve attending church services and spending time in prayer and meditation. For others, it may simply mean taking a few hours off work and spending time with family and friends. The important thing is to choose activities that promote rest, relaxation, and spiritual renewal. By incorporating a Sabbath day into your holiday season, you can experience a more peaceful and meaningful holiday experience.
As we navigate the busyness of the season, let's turn to the words of Jesus in two scriptures:
Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Mark 6:31: "Then Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat."
Have you found any helpful strategies for pacing yourself during the holidays? Share your tips in the comments below!