Early in our marriage we argued a lot. It was likely mostly my fault but we often had a hard time getting along.
So why did we get married in the first place? We were 20 years old. Need I say more? I’m not sure most 20 year olds should be driving let alone getting married – but we did.
Then we got an opportunity to take a dream vacation. We were invited to go to California and take our two kids to Disneyland.
Seeing the impending storm that being together in a car for several days would likely stir up and realizing this trip was still costing us a fortune we made a plan. Whatever happened, we agreed we’d stay cool, not get upset and force ourselves to have fun.
Multiple times each day that pledge was tested but each time we managed to suck it up, let it go and move on. And we had a wonderful time with each other and as a family!
Suck it up. Let it go and move on!
If we’d been smart we would have made that our family motto but once the trip was over we went back to “normal”. It took years for me to mellow out and live that way on a daily basis. I wish I could say it was the Lord working character in me but I think it has more to do with dropping testosterone levels than any deep work of the Spirit.
So, here is my simple advice for a peaceful holiday season.
Just decide that whatever happens, you’re not going to hyperventilate over it.
Suck it up. Let it go and move on!
The kids spill the egg nog on the rug.
The husband spills the egg nog on the rug.
The baby pulls the tree over.
The husband pulls the tree over.
The company is coming and the house is still a wreck.
The dinner burns. The kids are fighting. The mall is mayhem.
You have to park a mile away – only to come back and find a parking ticket under the wiper.
Whatever your chaos or disaster this season here’s a little secret I finally discovered – if you blow up no magic time machine transports you back and undoes the mess. Blow up or suck it up the circumstances remain the same – but you don’t. You can choose to remain at peace.
So why not decide – it’s as simple as that – make a decision that you are going to enjoy your kids, your spouse, your family, the holidays.
I hope you will choose to have a
Merry Christmas!
You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy.
Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10
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