Good morning Making Space for God friends! I realize that many of you are reading this blog today because the title caught your attention. It’s the 12th day of December and some of us are feeling as though we are running in circles trying to prepare for Christmas; shopping, decorating the house, baking and entertaining. I want to share something with you. The hamster wheel is for hamsters and not people. Now there. I’ve said it. Along with 10,000 other bloggers who wish to express their sentiments about the rat race Christmas has become.

But I have also been encouraged that people are listening… listening to the still quiet voice of God reminding us to slow down, b-r-e-a-t-h-e…. just breathe. There is a “just say no” movement that is gaining momentum in Christian circles and I like it. The last few weeks, I have been sharing blogs that are encouraging us to remember the reason for the season– the birth of Jesus Christ; the One who gives us life eternal and leads us beside calm, still waters.

So I thought I would offer up to you what I started years ago when my children were still at home and the “should’s and oughts” were eating me alive. I sat down amidst wrapping paper and endless lists of errands and cried. That’s what I did. I gave up. And some of you reading this should do the same thing. It’s ok…..

Not to have the perfect gifts for people– or how about NO gifts; just a gift of presence

It’s ok

Not to have your house decorated perfectly. Just do what you can and what you enjoy

It’s ok

Not to have your children attend every Santa event, or party, or parade

Perhaps what they need is an evening with Mom and Dad drinking hot chocolate and reading the Christmas story.

So I quit. I put my presents left to wrap in bags, I canceled my “should’s and oughts” for me and my family

And I not only survived I thrived.

So much pressure and then so much relief. Why do we do this to ourselves? I can’t answer that but I can tell you that Christmas still has the word           C-H-R-I-S-T in it. He came into our human space as the Divine One and He brought us a new way of living– for Him. It’s pretty sweet when all we need is Him. Now take a deep breath and review your lists. Tear them up if need be and center on the One who is the Prince of Peace.

I don’t know about you but I feel better. Hope you do too.