Across America cooks are starting—or have already started—preparations for Thanksgiving dinner to be served Thursday.
Across America people are gearing up to gather and spend time with family and friends.
While those things sound wonderful to many, the idea of cooking a large meal or gathering with family and friends can bring great anxiety to many others.
Across America weight loss professionals are talking to their clients about the upcoming weekend and are asking the question, “Are you prepared? Have you thought through how you are going to handle the food temptations and habits you will be faced with?”
Today I would like to ask you about your spiritual and emotional preparation for the forthcoming holidays and offer a few tips that I pray will help.
Awareness is key. Think ahead. Will you be with people who trigger a negative response?
“Being forewarned is being forearmed” is a great thing to remember when you anticipate a challenging gathering. Arm yourself with prayer and the armor of God.
PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD PRAYERFULLY
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:11-13
What is your armor?
Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.Ephesians 6:13-17
FORGIVE
Ask yourself if there is anyone who you will be with that you need to forgive in order to freely interact with them. This is not about them. It is about you holding them hostage for the past. Keep your heart clean and forgive those whom Holy Spirit brings to mind. It’s as easy as, “Lord, I forgive _______ for __________________________.” Remember: this is not about saying it to them. It is between you and the Lord.
PREPARE
Before you leave your house to travel or meet with others, carve out the time to do something you love to do. This will help keep you centered as you move into the gathering, cooking, etc. For me this means I have committed to workout every morning this week and will tune in and do a 7:00 am live stream Zumba class Thursday morning. Aerobic dance classes help me feel great about myself which leads me to the next suggestion.
REMIND YOURSELF OF WHO GOD CREATED YOU TO BE
Family dynamics being what they are, it is easy to fall back into habits and dynamics forged years ago. Habits and dynamics that may not fit who you have grown to become. Take some time with the Lord and let Him remind you of who He created you to be and who you are right now. This will help center you and keep you mindful of how much He loves and approves of you.
PRACTICE SELF CARE
Know what you need to stay centered with the Lord. Perhaps a cup of tea will help—take the tea bag with you. Maybe it’s finding a quiet space where you can practice deep breathing techniques. Another idea is to put together a play list of those songs that lift you spiritually and emotionally and play it whenever you can.
Take a moment to ask yourself what your personal self care habits look like and how you can implement them in the midst of a holiday weekend.
GET AWAY TO PRAY
On the heals of last week’s posts about the Lord’s Prayer remember that you are not alone. You are a part of a company of believers, many who face similar challenges. More importantly remember the words “Our Father.” God is as close to you as the breath you breathe. He is with you every step of the way.
I also remind you of the post on “Hallowed Be Your Name.” Sometimes just whispering or silently saying the name of Jesus is enough. He is right there with you and knows all that you need—even before you do.
Whether you are joyfully anticipating the holidays or you are anxiously anticipating them, these suggestions will help you stay grounded and centered in who God created you to be and what He created you to be.
Stay present and look for God’s loving kindness to surround you wherever you are and whoever you are with.
Wherever your path takes you this week, I pray blessings to you and yours.