That is how I am feeling this morning.....I can't deny it.
We had such a wonderful weekend with our friends from Indiana and my daughter home. My house was full and loud and wonderful!!
And then every one left........all in one day.
And as I woke up this morning in a very quiet and very dirty house, completely exhausted from all the fun we had, looking toward a very full week, having not put Christmas up yet and not having any desire to do so......I just wanted to yell "Bah Hum Bug!" and go back to bed.
For the first year in my life, I think, I am not excited about the holidays and am not completely sure why. Oh, I know all of the above things contribute, but typically I am so excited for Christmas and can't wait to have every thing up. Tomorrow is Dec 1st and I don't even have my advent calendar up for the kids.
So, I started blog surfing......and ended up here. And as I started reading, God revealed to me that my attitude is not really due to being tired and busy...it's really due to a "heart issue". I am allowing my circumstances to grab hold of my focus. What I am looking at is how tired I am, how much I have to do at the church and home, all the responsibilities I have this month and how I can't possibly do it all. As my heart focuses on me and what I can and can not do, it becomes more and more discouraged and disgruntled.
I need a heart change.
Gina reminded me in her article that I can't change my heart. But I can ask God to change it. I can take the time to stop and sit in His lap and talk and listen. And I can expect Him to change my heart.
It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season.......decorating the perfect house, buying all the gifts, attending all the parties, being the perfect hostess.
Tomorrow is Dec 1st. I want to start this month with my heart in the right place. Celebrating the fact that my God loved me so much that He sent His son to die for my sins. And I want my gratitude for that to be completely evident in all I do this season.
So this morning, I am asking God to change my heart........
.........and expecting Him to do it.
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13 comments:
Thank you for this post. I feel very down with the holiday blues...missing my parents and childhood traditions. My sons are all teenagers and don't seem too concerned or interested in holiday decorating or celebrations. I am very sad that I did not have my advent wreath out for last night's First Advent. I will check out your link and also pray that God changes my heart to remember this season is about Him (as all seasons should be) and He is where my focus should be.
Thank you for the post. I am also feeling a little down lately, but like you do so often, I am looking up today because of you. Enjoy your December.
xoxo
Danielle
wow,i am so glad that i went and read that! i definately need a heart change in alot of areas! thanks.
Sara, I think the key word is "perfect." We all strive (especially at this time of year) to be perfect, but we know it's impossible. (sigh)
Count your blessings, put on some Christmas music, and get out the dust rag. Pray as you clean, and you'll feel better by this evening.
BTW: I TOLD you that I had 5 beautiful granddaughters. Your sons could choose. ;-)
Beautiful. I think we all need a heart change on one thing or another. Mine is definitely school stress. I'm so worried about that I don't have time to worry about anything else!!
Me too, sister! I am a big grump and it's time to get with it. This December is going to be really special!
So very true Sara and God will change your heart, I know!
Thanks for a great post. I am kinda there with you. Trying to refocus -not on the "stuff" of Christmas but the Gift God has given us.
What a BEAUTIFUL post! Thank you for sharing. This year I'm motivated...but some years I'm right there with ya' needing a heart change.
Blessings.
Susan
i adore your ♥ by the way...it is truly b-e-a-utiful. good days or bad!
I'm reading this on December 1st
. . . hoping your heart change is in progress! With an expectant heart, we can expect His Hand to move us in mighty ways.
Going from BahHumbug to Martha Stewart on spiked egg-nog, however, is not the change any of us hope to see in this week's project 365 photos! OKieDokIE?
Love ya'
~esthermay
Thanks so much for this post. I needed it...I could use a heart change too.
I'd love to hear how your month goes and the progress your heart makes.
It's so easy to feel overcome as the holidays approach...especially with the roles we have as wives, mothers, daughters, and the additional role you have as Pastor's wife and I have as teacher. We have full plates, no doubt, but I know God can give us joy when we're feeling depleted. It's good to see Him at work in the posts above this one: answered prayer! Blessings on you this whole holiday season, Sara.
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