How to slow down this holiday season

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Matthew 11:28-30

It's easy to miss it. In the midst of the hustle and bustle and crazy. In the parties and festivities, gifts and bows, it's easy to lose sight of the greatest gift this time of year. I don't want to be so busy that I miss these days. These days we will never get back. There will always be MORE trying to grab our attention. More ideas, more things to bake, more outfits we think we need, more parties to attend.... And at times it feels like there's no stopping this busy train. It feels almost impossible. So how can we begin to slow down and enter true rest during this holiday season?

First, we need to recognize that true rest is the absence of striving or being in want/need. What if we truly believed we are enough and we have enough? To be fully content in every moment? That's where true rest begins. 

Practically this looks like not adding more to your plate than you can handle by practicing one little word "no." 

The second thing we can do is practice the art of being present and spontaneous. Instead of planning extravagant experiences, what if you just packed your kids in the car to get ice cream and look at Christmas lights on a mundane Tuesday? Focus on the little things.

And third, carve out time for the presence of God. He is our only true rest in the chaos. He is the one that satisfies every longing in our hearts for more. And sister, He is faithful to give you everything you need to make it through the days ahead and fill you with JOY that goes beyond any material possessions, experiences, or things. 

Let's go in slow this season and soak up every moment.