As the holidays approach, I see stress everywhere. I hear it in voices of friends, colleagues and women I speak to.  The pressure of holiday busyness on top of “normal life” causes angst – at least it does for me. Does it cause stress for you, too?

My thoughts immediately go to two women in Luke 10:38-42, Mary and Martha.  My internal “good Christian woman” measuring tool for the holidays is Martha-like.  The woman who does everything:

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’” (Luke 10:40)

Even though the list of things to do over the next weeks gets longer, I want to be like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to what He said (Luke 10:39).

Jesus says, “Daughter, dear Daughter, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” (The Message, paraphrase from Luke 10:41-42)

Even during the holidays, we have to remember what’s most important. I want to avoid getting worked up over things that aren’t eternal.  

Balancing holiday busyness still centers in spending time with Jesus first.  It takes priority over everything else. Like the Wise Men, we need to worship, adore, and rest in Him by spending time at His feet – in prayer, in His Word, and in praise.

Spending a few minutes alone, Mary-like, listening to the Father, allows you and I to engage in busy activities with a peaceful spirit and gracious attitude.  I can handle more when I spend time at His feet.

I don’t want to dread the holidays because of busyness. Having the assistance of the Holy Spirit to stretch my time and energy is essential. I don’t want to miss what’s most important by fussing and fretting over non-essentials and un-necessary busyness.

How about you?

How can you live a peaceful, intentional life, even through the holidays? We’d love to hear from you!