And just like that, the holiday season is here! If we’re honest, most of us have expectations for these special days. At the very least, we have hopes. The holidays are a snapshot of mom life. A lot of how the journey unfolds depends on our expectations.
Children have expectations too. Can we blame them? We bring mounds of popcorn to the couch for animated movies about snow, talking reindeer and wishes coming true for kids across the spectrum of naughty and nice. We sing songs about the most wonderful time of the year and days that are merry and bright. Only a Grinch would downplay the magic of the season, right? No normal kid can escape seedlings of expectation taking root in their minds and hearts!
What should we do with our holiday expectations? Is it a force too great for a mom’s faith to influence? Should we just give in, pass the eggnog, and let the festive frenzy sweep us away with a jingle of our bells?
If faith isn’t right at home in the unfolding of Christmas, where is it at home? Of all times a mama can look at life through the lens of God’s tidings of joy, the holiday season is one of the best. Maybe you feel the need to try so hard, because your childhood holidays were painful. Perhaps special days were stressful days with arguing relatives, an alcoholic parent, or an emotionally cold atmosphere. In my new book EXPECTANT: 40 devotions for new and expectant moms, one chapter is called “Knowing Your Family Album.” No matter what your history is, “Each of us can ask God to help us sift out a family heirloom to bring forward into your own mothering.” Sweet memories for your children don’t depend on having the right gifts beneath the tree. “By God’s grace we will parent our children the best way we can, and we will forge a new legacy to leave behind.”
One shift in our thinking makes the difference.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9 – NIV)
This holiday season, we may scour Pinterest boards for perfect inspiration, study HGTV for boughs and bows, or search the mall for the makings of our memories. But ultimately, they are temporary plans. The Lord will guide our steps and those of our children, for He knows what’s best for us. We can expect He will act for our good, not just for our momentary holiday happiness.
If you want Emmanuel to drive your Christmas instead of your expectations, declare this right now: “I will not be a slave to the celebrations of the season, but I will invite God daily to direct my steps.”
5 Steps to Managing Your Holiday Expectations
- Make your holiday plans, but hold loosely to them.
- Don’t let your heart hinge on having your way.
- Wrap your attitude in flexibility.
- Deck the halls with humility.
- Put Jesus at the top of your list.
The best course for Christmas happens when the Lord leads our steps.
EXPECTANT is available through Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
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