Traditions

  ⁸ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.-Mark 7:8


A line from a short video shown during Advent worship last night:

The traditions sometimes become more important than the real relationships.

I have been guilty of that in the past. Have you ever just picked up a gift... any gift... not out of love for the person you are giving it to, but only out of obligation?  Have you ever gotten frustrated with your kids because they weren't paying attention to the special Christmas story you picked out to read them on Christmas Eve... the book you MUST read to them and they MUST pay attention because it's tradition?  Have you ever stressed yourself out to the max because you HAVE to make Christmas cookies with your children today even though you have a hundred other things to do?  And don't even get me started on Christmas cards....


Over the years I have learned.  I used to make dozens of cut-out sugar cookies for my little boys to decorate with frosting and sprinkles only to watch them do one or two, lose interest and leave the rest for me.  I did this because I loved doing it with my mom.  But when I finally realized my boys didn't care so much, I scratched it off my "traditions" list.  I've made a "no gifts" pact with people who I know would only stress over picking out a gift.  Instead, I give gifts to those I know can't reciprocate and know I don't expect them to.  I do NOT do Christmas cards!  I've learned to simplify Christmas and I enjoy it so much more!


Don't get hung up on the traditions of this season.  Focus instead on your relationships. It's not worth spending hours on making cookies if everyone is going to be miserable while you pretend to have the perfect Christmas.  Through the dough away, make some hot chocolate and pop corn and watch a silly Christmas movie together instead... or whatever.  Be willing to change your plans if "tradition" isn't working.  We should be enjoying this wonderful season of loving, giving and hoping... not developing ulcers.


Father,
Help us to "chill" this Advent and just enjoy or family and our friends.  Help us to love one another enough to put aside our most cherished traditions if necessary.  Amen.


Joys:  Advent worship; a hiking day; lost another pants size... yay!