 | Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house, no one knew what to do - not even the mouse. The presents were opened. The cookies were gone. The post-turkey coma was making everyone yawn. There were gifts to return and cleaning to do...but no one really felt like it because they were all feeling blue. |
Every year we plan, shop, decorate, bake, sing carols and so on in the days leading up to Christmas. Then Christmas day dawns, madness ensues and the next morning...it's over. It can be a bit of a let down after all the crazy bustling.
Even though many of us go right back to work, I would encourage us all to savor the season a little longer. The decorations are still up. There are still leftovers to eat. The New Year is not upon us quite yet. Let's use this time well.
Rest
While this is an exciting time of year; it's also a time when we tend to run ourselves ragged. Take time to rest. Linger over the coffee or cocoa. Play with our kids or grandkids. Take a nap if possible. Whatever we must do to recharge...let's do it.
He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” ~Mark 6:31 (NRSV)
Reflect
Let's take time to reflect on the past year. What have we learned? When did God meet us where we were? When did He meet our needs, answer our prayers? How has He blessed us? Taking time for this can help us enter the next year with hearts and minds filled with gratitude.
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.
~1 Chronicles 16:12
Rejoice
Remember why we have celebrated. Rejoice in ALL the Lord has done for us....
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16
Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. ~James 1:17 (CEV)
Ready
Finally, let's prepare our hearts and minds for the upcoming year. Once we have taken time to reflect on this year, let's take some time to think about the next one. Is there a word or idea that comes to mind? Where would the Lord have us focus this year?
Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. ~1 Peter 1:13
Resting, Reflecting, Rejoicing and Readying for 2017 Together...
Even though many of us go right back to work, I would encourage us all to savor the season a little longer. The decorations are still up. There are still leftovers to eat. The New Year is not upon us quite yet. Let's use this time well.
Rest
While this is an exciting time of year; it's also a time when we tend to run ourselves ragged. Take time to rest. Linger over the coffee or cocoa. Play with our kids or grandkids. Take a nap if possible. Whatever we must do to recharge...let's do it.
He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” ~Mark 6:31 (NRSV)
Reflect
Let's take time to reflect on the past year. What have we learned? When did God meet us where we were? When did He meet our needs, answer our prayers? How has He blessed us? Taking time for this can help us enter the next year with hearts and minds filled with gratitude.
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.
~1 Chronicles 16:12
Rejoice
Remember why we have celebrated. Rejoice in ALL the Lord has done for us....
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16
Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. ~James 1:17 (CEV)
Ready
Finally, let's prepare our hearts and minds for the upcoming year. Once we have taken time to reflect on this year, let's take some time to think about the next one. Is there a word or idea that comes to mind? Where would the Lord have us focus this year?
Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. ~1 Peter 1:13
Resting, Reflecting, Rejoicing and Readying for 2017 Together...
RSS Feed