So, are you there yet? At this season of the year, have you reached the point of near-exhaustion? Are you approaching calendar overload? Need a little simplicity? Need to slow down? Does this sound like an impossible dream?
I've got a suggestion. Actually, it's God's suggestion. Recently as I was scurrying around in my Bible, I was hit right between the eyes with a verse, which led to another, which led to another, and … well, a couple of principles from the Word might help us all quit striving and start resting:
- Isaiah 43:7 – created for His glory.
- Matthew 6:33 – an astounding promise.
- Galatians 6:10 – a motivational check-up.
- Hebrews 4:10 – a worthy desire.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – a biblical work order.
God has called you to your ministry, but not your misery. A balanced life is His idea; a frantic one is ours. I've listed below 8 great books for this Advent/Christmas season. (Books are a big part of my life, and I'm always compelled to talk about them!) Some are devotional in nature; some are more meditative “coffee table” kind of books; and some are just great stories. I hope you can get to know, or get reacquainted with at least 1 or 2 of these over the holiday season. If they help to unwind some stress and re-focus your thoughts over the next couple of weeks, then so much the better.
THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS – Derric Johnson
THE CHRISTMAS BOX – Richard Paul Evans
THE GIFT – Hughes/DiCianni/Botts
IMMANUEL – Ann Spangler
THE NIGHT OF THE CHILD – Robert Benson
GOD IS IN THE SMALL STUFF (at Christmas) – Bruce & Stan
THE GLORIOUS IMPOSSIBLE – Madeleine L'Engle
THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS – Calvin Miller
By the way, somewhere there's a nap with your name on it.
