We like to watch The Amazing Race. It has teams complete challenges which involve a variety of skills while traveling across the globe into places they have never been.

It seems that every participant has watched the tv show multiple times. In fact they applied to be on the show.

John and I always laugh when the show has a commercial advertising for future contestants. The moderator asks “Do you have what it takes to run the amazing race?” We always reply in unison, “NO!”

But the contestants we watched this evening volunteered. And they knew the types of challenges ahead. They also knew that lack of sleep, physical labor, and emotional and intellectual stress are all part of the race.

So why does every season, nearly every episode, involve bickering, angry words and ugly comments between team members? It is true that they didn’t know every challenge that would confront them before signing the tv contract but they knew what was likely to happen. And they know their partner well, most often a family member or close friend. But they act out, on a television show that will live forever, available to watch again and again and again by themselves, family members including children, close and distant friends, their co-workers and employers!!

So why do I mention this tv show before the ever more busy days of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years? Let me draw some comparisons.

1. They know their partners. We know the family, friends and co-workers that will likely be with us during holiday celebrations. We already know many of their biases and weaknesses. We cannot pretend to be surprised; we have history.
2. The contestants on The Amazing Race know, generally, the activities that will come at them. We also know what we will be doing. Maybe we don’t know now, but we will probably have hours or days of notice regarding holiday activities.
3. They know that the schedule is tight and that it will be physical and taxing. We know that the “relaxing” plan for the holidays can be changed in a moment. The holidays can be rough. If you are going to be alone this year, I believe that you might have the toughest challenge of us all. I remember those days.

Jesus knew that His days on earth would be long and stressful so He made time, He took time, to pray and to rest. One of my favorite lessons during my last couple years of study was that Jesus, God on earth, took special time with ONLY His closest friends and time with ONLY His Father. Jesus didn’t make Himself available to the crowds or religious and political officials at every moment. Jesus guarded His schedule by staying ahead of it with rest and prayer. We need to do the same.

We need to plan now about our holiday celebrations. Here are some things you may want to consider.

• Although you might be tempted, don’t ever write/record any angry or ugly words – EVER. When frustrated do not text, post on social media, write an email, or leave a voice mail. Instead, remember what the Psalmst wrote that God knows “how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust.” (Psalm 103:14)
• Remember that those around you are people you love, or at least need to be around. BE KIND – always. We are not perfect and neither are they. Let kindness, generous and love reign in our hearts, deeds and words.
• When we should not respond – don’t. A moment of silence is almost always the better choice.
• GET PLENTY OF REST!! Go to bed early even if you will spend some of that time playing sodoku on your phone. Jesus rested; we should too.
• DON’T just eat “bad” food and drink over the holidays. Put down the eggnog and drink water. Eat protein. Eat a salad.
• MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL – Talk to God. Let Him know of your concerns. If you walk with Him, He will direct your path and calm your heart and mind.

In Philippians 4:6-7 we read: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Love,

Jill (just one of God’s kids)