Luke 2: v.13: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
If I chose a word for this holiday season, it would be peace. I think that is what our world needs most this season for healing, both mentally and in body. My goal now is to try my best to be at peace with all that is happening around me knowing that I am not in control of any of my circumstances but must find a way to live each day knowing my faith and God's will can see me through.
After writing my last blog, I came to the conclusion that no matter what I feel, I need to find a way to process and better cope with the day to day turmoil. I had become obsessed with checking the Covid numbers in the county and worrying about all that they might entail.
Before leaving for Thanksgiving break, I spent a few minutes praying with a dear friend. One petition in her prayer was to remember to give God all our cares and concerns, to place them in his hands...and then not to take them back. This idea resonated with me in a way I can not succinctly explain. I pray frequently and I lay my burdens out before God. But then as soon as a new set of problems rise, I snatch back all my worries and feel the stress once again. Why was I doing that?
Enough. Time to refocus. The well-loved Serenity Prayer came to mind to further remind me of what I needed to do:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, (Covid life)
Change those things I can, (my attitude and my heart)
And the wisdom to know the difference. 😊
Making a conscious choice to search out peace has made such an improvement in my disposition this past week. Letting go of all outside of my control, whether I get sick or not, what form school will be in, holiday gatherings...all the stressors that I have no joy in fretting about are now released. What comes, comes, and I will trust God to be with me through it all.
I realize this must sound overly simple, but it is the simplicity which makes it so amazing. There is nothing to do but let go and love.
Please, take a moment to consider. Would embracing a willful choice to be at peace improve your outlook and enjoyment in the stress you are facing. If so, give your concerns to God, and don't snatch them back. Find fulfillment in His peace and may joy follow you throughout the holidays and into the new year.
