A couple of days ago I started writing an article about being a Christian. My goal was to write something motivational and inspiring given it is the holiday season. I even started making a list of some of my favorite Bible scriptures including verses about love, compassion, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, prayer, thankfulness, joy, and trust. Little did I know, I was about to be tested on all of those virtues.

Like most people, I have been consumed with my life and everything that entails: kids, husband, house, job, etc. On top of all that, Christmas is right around the corner, and I'm just starting to do my gift shopping. The added expense of buying gifts in combination with the pressure of getting the right presents is so stressful. Life is so busy, and I barely slow down to relax, much less take the time to appreciate this chaotic life of mine.

Over the past few weeks, I have been stressed and overly concerned about things that shouldn’t warrant my attention, or at least not so much of my attention. In reality, this is a constant in my life. I am always over thinking and worrying about anything and everything. It is a pattern of negativity as a result of the anxiety. My husband tells me not to worry about what I cannot control. It is GREAT advice that I frequently give others, but it’s obviously not as simple to apply in my own life. With all that I have to be thankful for, why do I waste my time on the worrying or insignificant stuff? God, my husband, my kids, my family and friends…they are what matters. The stress, anger, resentment, frustration, and any other negative feelings I experience may be valid or justified, but they should not be an excuse to misbehave. I have to be accountable for how I act regardless of how I feel. In all honesty, I have to let it go, no matter how big or small it might be. Move on, and let God handle it. Trust in God to work it out for me. It sounds so easy but, for some reason, it isn’t. Since it is the best time of the year, maybe it’s the perfect time to work on some things or at least put them into perspective.

With all the hustle and bustle during this time of the year, I need to slow down and remember some things that I started writing about. I should take my own advice, and remember the scriptures I picked out for that other article.

My Small Stuff and how I need to address/see them:

• Shopping- Be thankful that I have a loving family to shop for.
• Traffic- Pray for the safety of everyone traveling in and out of town for the holidays.
• Gifts- Be joyful in my giving and stop stressing about getting the perfect gift. Give from the heart, not just the pocketbook, for the most thoughtful gift.
• Stress & Worry- Let go and Let God. Trust in him to take every worry, concern, and problem from you. Let God handle it. He is better at it anyway.
• Quality Time- Show compassion for those in need and find ways my family can help, as a family.
• Holidays- Remember the TRUE meaning of CHRISTmas.
• Busy- Slow down and spend more quality time with those who matter…during the holidays, and throughout the year.
• Priorities- Put God first. As hard as it is to admit, I need a lot of work on this one. Like I said, I get wrapped up in my life and somehow push God back to make time for everything else. He is a priority and I am responsible for putting Him first.
• Being an Example- I have to be the best example I can be for my children and my students. If God is in control of my life, it will resonate.
• Forgive- Do it because everyone deserves it, even when they are wrong or do not want it. God forgave me.