Ease Off the Gas Pedal!

Posted byBarbara HintherPosted inUncategorized, Christianity, Addiction,, Caregiving, Grief, New Creation, Guilt, Guilt, Guilty, dementia, Terminal illnessTags:, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Especially During the Holidays!

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
For You alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 NASB

“When we work from a place, I believe, that says ‘I’m enough,’ then we stop screaming and start listening, we’re kinder and gentler to the people around us, and we’re kinder and gentler to ourselves.” Brene Brown

How do you talk to yourself when you’re in the middle of planning, hurrying, and paying for the holidays? Do you stress seeing certain individuals? And the money… It’s been tough for so many of us, and we would do anything to make a lovely and full holiday with all the eats, presents and fun, except it costs… A lot!

Three things I know for sure:

  1. God loves us
  2. God accepts us
  3. We become more like his son.

Why do we insist on beating ourselves unmercifully? Childhood dysfunctions, tragedies, and mistakes; learning a new task; work fears; advertising —bombarding our ears, minds, and hearts daily. Pour the holidays over this, and it can be brutal.

Today and every day, especially during the holidays, ease up on yourself. Stop. Breathe. Thank God that you are loved. Thank him for those you love, and for those who love you. Watch how much this transforms you and your loved ones.

Musings

Being a good and gracious steward of God’s personal and unique gifts is a tremendous responsibility. It starts with how we speak to ourselves —beloved child of God. Let us talk to ourselves as a best friend would with wise counsel, love and compassion. Maybe a good friend or family member can help us.

Prayer

Dear Father,

When we are overcome and overwhelmed by our “bad,” remind us that we are loved unconditionally. We so often depend on our good feelings to determine our value. Help us remember that we can’t change without asking for your help.  Help us to let go and let You into all things, especially during the holidays, with gratefulness.

Amen.

Published by Barbara Hinther

Barbara Hinther author of Meditations and Encouragement for the Caregiver of a Loved One with Dementia and What About Me, God. Time to share what she has learned and hopefully, others will know they are not alone. This too, shall pass with beautiful, yet painful, lessons. Barbara lives in a rural town in Idaho where all is community. Bless everyone in the community for their support and their never-ending let’s pitch in attitude! She worked in marketing for over 30 years and volunteered with the Idaho Youth Ranch and St. Vincent’s de Paul Thrift Store. Then her hardest job ever was caring for her husband who died from Lewy body dementia and needed her full-time care. Feelings of abandonment were constant. Life was very difficult for a while, but love, faith and hope will overcome. Let the adventure continue!

3 thoughts on “Ease Off the Gas Pedal!”

  1. So true, and a good reminder. We need to be aware of our thoughts first. Take the negative thoughts captive and send them to God, then put in God’s promises, like, “God loves me,” and “God accepts me.” It works. I had to address negative thinking about myself that was not God’s thinking. God Bless.

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