Featured post by Rachel Coltharp
Family and work gatherings can be a time of food, fun and festivities. It can also facilitate the brewing of a big ‘ol kettle of crazy. Old hurts, slights and insecurities can flare up into full-blown nutso. Seemingly innocent comments are an invitation to arguments, joking remarks are seen and felt as cruel, snide slashes that cut to the very heart. Far too often, Christmas gatherings can be Christ-less.
My suggestion to us all, myself MOST of all, is to remember that when you come up on a big ol’ kettle of crazy… don’t stir!
Before you leave your house, or go downstairs, cleanse your heart, thoroughly. Ask the heavenly Father to gentle your spirit and to help you see your family members as He does. You see and hear their unkind words and actions. He sees the reason they say and do them. Purpose in your heart to be the hands, feet, and voice of Christ to these, His children.
Just like Mary carried the good news inside of her, we can carry it in our hearts. She was misunderstood. Sometimes we are, too. She felt out of place. Sometimes we do, too. She was unappreciated. Sometimes we are, too. Nevertheless, she chose to carry the good news anyway! So can we. Remember, anyone can bring a gift to the gathering, only Christians can bring Christ.
Let your sister-in-law be the GOOD mother, let your brother make the MOST money, let your aunt do it the RIGHT way. Smile and affirm them; take the low road. Know in your heart that you don’t have to be right!
Yes, bring your delicious food, bring your beautiful gifts, but most importantly, bring with you food for the soul and the Gift of the Ages.
Bless you, dear daughter of the King, as you strive to keep the holidays, holy days.
Great post! I shared this to Our Simple Farm’s facebook. So true and I sure can relate!
Thank you for sharing it!
you will never know how much I needed this reminder. thank you so much. from God’s mouth to my ears via you. <3
I sooo needed this. My aunt advised me recently that I need to stop playing possible scenarios in my head before I get there. I need to stop rehearsing what I will say when “a person” says “xyz”. She reminded me that God’s grace (His supernatural enabling power) is sufficient for me in every moment and that as long as I am seeking Him the grace will be there for me in the moment. No dress rehearsal needed.
Your comment is as helpful to me as the blog post itself. Thank you.
Great post! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Amen and Amen!
You have no idea how much I needed this reminder. Thank you… BLESS YOU for speaking your heart, and reminding us all that Christmas should be Christ-like.
Perfect advice for the season! I have learned by experience not to stir the kettle.
Rachel Coltharp is absolutely right, I have been to those gatherings and have tried so hard to do just as she has suggested and my but I go away feeling so much better. But I have to be intentional about it, just as she says, or else I stick my big foot in my mouth and go home feeling sick and angry at myself. Thanks so much for this. Now I will go check out her blog.
Hugs, Cindy
Thank you.
You have no idea how much I needed this! It made me laugh, but also ponder more how I can bring more peace to family gatherings. Thanks for the insight! Don’t stir the crazy kettle is my new motto for family/friend gatherings! I blogged about it over at:
http://keepmovingforwardwithme.blogspot.com/2011/12/blessings.html
this is so on the mark!!!! thank you- i shared it on my facebook…