Growing up in the chocolate business was a pretty sweet deal . . . literally. I loved being able to visit my dad at the factory and having really great chocolate any time I wanted it was fantastic, too. One of the only downsides to it, however, was that holidays were never really holidays because they were always the busyiest times of the year (think about when you would usually purchase chocolate for someone . . .). It usually wasn't until after the celebrated holiday that we could all relax and enjoy a little rest.
Maybe God was trying to prepare me for a life in another career choice that also doesn't get vacation during holidays. I've learned over these past 7 years in ministry that Christmas and Easter are some of the craziest times in the year and this past Easter was no exception. The trickiest part of maintaining this schedule, I think, is stopping in the midst of it to really remember what all the busyness is about. Really participating in the Easter service and personally remembering what it's all about in the midst of making sure service details are covered, refreshments are put out for visitors, and the gamut of life in between! I love having the opportunity to be a part of full-time ministry just like I loved being a part of the chocolate business. This is just something I'm continually trying to work out.
Does anyone else feel this tension during holidays as well? What are some practices that you've adopted during these seasons?
4 comments:
You are soooo right about holidays being so difficult. Because of the stress we fell into the habit of doing the holiday AFTER the holiday. We died Easter eggs the week following on Paul's day off. Christmas shopping was completed months beforehand and baked cookies and bread put in the freezer. Then during the Christmas season the cookies would come out, defrost, and THEN decorated with frosting. And the bread would be wrapped in pretty packaging and distributed. Planning ahead as much as possible was the most important thing because so many things come up all of the sudden. Also, after-Christmas shopping for the following year for small gift items (candles, decorative item, etc.) is great because you can get things 75% off! We also scheduled in "Just Say No" days where we would refuse any invitations to parties or something and just hang out as a family. Just a few thoughts, but our favorite one we use is doing the holiday AFTER it actually occurs because then I feel we have time to explain the meaning behind everything.
I don't know if you are someone who thrives on organization, but I am...here's a website that you might like. This link is specifically for organizing Christmas:
http://organizedhome.com/create-christmas-holiday-planner
Crystal
Great ideas, Crystal. I really like the "Just Say No" days, especially. I think they would make Nancy Reagan proud. :-) Thanks so much for sharing from your wisdom!
You girls are awesome!
Leah... this must be the reason you dub yourself, "a chocolate snob."
LOL! I am a 'tea snob'. You will have to educate me in the snobbish chocolate ways!
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