By Nancy Virden (c)2024

Herding cats. That’s what my Pastor calls it when he tries to lead people from one physical space to another. Why are we reluctant to move, change, and leave comfortable seats? Even to sit more closely together for worship, does it have to seem such a chore?

Some of us are older and our bones ache. Knees once seated do not want to get up until necessary. For others who move more readily, perhaps they do not want to leave their seatmates. Whatever the reason, once we have decided where to sit we stay put.

This is only one example, anyway. Whenever a leader (including the Christmas party host) makes a plan, people often mess it up. Our best plans may be brilliant but we can never control anyone else’s choices.

This is why I recommend holding lightly to your holiday plans. All your worry will not add one ounce of power to your ability to make things go your way. If Aunt Brunie wants to be late, she will be. If the cousins do not want to enjoy your company, they will not. If two people who normally do not get along need to reconcile for your happy gathering, they probably will not. Games fail for lack of participants, conversation lags for lack of interest, some promises of food and gifts go unkept, and so it goes. If our hopes are in the plans we will suffer loss.

Instead, plan to create a free space where everyone can do what they want. Most will sit even if you provide dancing music. Many will not sing along if you carol. Few will compliment your meal or your outfit. Only relax in the freedom to do whatever wholesome activities you enjoy and invite others to enjoy them too. Do not criticize nonparticipants, do not push.

Making certain that Jesus remains the reason for celebration does not have to be from a speech if your crowd is not open to that. It can come through pictures on the wall, scriptures on name cards, nativity scenes, carols, etc.

Relax knowing you have offered what you could. Every adult guest is responsible for their good time. If you need a break from stodgy grownups, laugh and play with the children.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!  There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Merry Christmas!!!

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

_{HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/}