By Cindy Beall

There are a bazillion little catch phrases that we use this time of year to direct our focus where it should be. “Jesus is the reason for the season” gains quite a bit of traction with each Christmas season as we endeavor to prevent the busyness of November and December from steamrolling our lives.

And that phrase is absolutely true!

But if you’re like me, you convince yourself that “it’s a short season” and then we’ll “get back to normal.” 

Sadly, getting back to normal often takes its toll on our own lives and the relationships we care so deeply about. We allow so many unnecessary things to clutter our days and distract us from the people who need a us to invest our time in them.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” ‭‭- Romans‬ ‭12:9-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’d like to suggest a couple of questions that we can ask ourselves when we are knee-deep in the Christmas activities that have filled our calendars.

  1. Is participating in this holiday activity really how I want to spend my time?There are parties, events, plays and other Christmas-type activities that could literally consume every day of our lives from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. Are most parties fun? Yes. Are all events necessary? No. While you and I may want to be involved in every fun thing, is it the best use of our time? Consider limiting the events you attend so that you can give your best to those you love the most.
  2. How do I keep my vital relationships a priority in the midst of holiday attention stealers? We don’t have to spend hours each day investing in those closest to us. Some days we can spend that amount of time and that is fantastic! But, I have found that when we make a little time each day, we’ll be surprised on just how much return there is on such a contribution. It really is that simple.

For the most part, the relationships in your life may be in a healthy place. But some of you have those lingering, negative feelings about that person you still need to forgive. Or that person whose actions cause you to roll your eyes and exhale a long sigh because you wonder if they’ll ever change.

If forgiveness is in order, tell me, what is it that keeps you from offering it to another? And if it’s not forgiveness, would you be willing to ask God what it is that makes you so annoyed by certain individuals? Chances are strong that it has nothing to do with them but more to do with you. 

Stings a bit, doesn’t it? I get it. But we have to allow the Holy Spirit to excavate the bitter places in our hearts in every area of our lives so that we can live life to the fullest. And not just in November and December. Live life to the fullest for the entire year.