Deep Breath
It's Thanksgiving week -- a fact difficult for me to accept. I distinctly remember planning for spring events just yesterday . . . didn't I? They say time flies when you're having fun, so I guess 2017 must have been a barrel of monkeys. (It wasn't? There were hard times, just like every other year? Hmm.) Another year will be over soon, regardless, and that means we're in the busy season. Still, as busy as we are (and will be), I invite you to pause for a bit right now. Just take a deep breath. Let it out. Relax.
It's going to be okay.
I know you're stressed right now. On top of normal life, there's Christmas shopping, more things to do at church, family to see, the looming threat of another winter lay-off, the things you haven't managed to accomplish this year like you wanted . . . The list is long, and all of it is just a litany of added burdens. Combine that with the cold and with the uptick in depression this time of year, and it's not difficult to see why the end of the year is so hard on people.
With that in mind, let me say three things:
Remember: you've made it through every rough patch and busy season you've ever had. You can make it through this one, too.
You can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13) because nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26).
It's going to be okay. If not today, then another day.
Slow down when you can. When you need to. Hold on to the hope of a better day tomorrow. Lean on those everlasting arms and find rest for your souls.
It's going to be okay.