By Poppy Smith
Instead of a houseful of
kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys
and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for
Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them
will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are
usually the ones who get that privilege!
But—it’s easy to be
sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change
our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the
holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and
let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of
the year—or at any time!
- Sing.
Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a
guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our
strength” Ps.81:1.
- Smile.
Smile
at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying
to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not
through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and
maybe lift up another lonely soul.
- Invite.
Is
there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest
meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t
needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond its own world.
- Rest.
Remember
all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s
your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms.
Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some
once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time!
- Give
gifts to others. Go
online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a
cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that
serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward
to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing
gift of love any one can receive.
- Write
a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one
of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you
where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He
will show you something and lift your heart.
- Go
to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of
God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the
beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights
of gratitude and love.
- Pray
about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have
you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out
what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself
physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video:
Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page).
May your “Home Alone”
Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you,
whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR: With her fun personality and passion for communicating
life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and
personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) use
colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages
women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or
painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many
countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as
she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s
teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As
a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.
Sign up for Poppy's THRIVE newsletter
at: http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment