Every man's way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. Proverbs 21:2

"The Devil won't make you bad. He'll make you busy." That's a saying that's stuck with me for years. Lately, though, it seems there's been a subtle twist put on it. The Liar found a new approach. He won't make you busy, but he'll make you FEEL BAD for BEING busy! There's a growing campaign for purposefully slowing down at Christmas. There are a plethora of Pinterest posts that will gladly lay out a "slowdown" plan for you. We're encouraged to be more present and choose our yeses more carefully so as not to over-commit ourselves. You know, control the busyness, so it doesn't control you, right?

Well, I tried that. Do you know what happened? I was still just as busy. Only then, I feel horrible about it. Guilt piled on as the calendar filled up. Why, oh why I wondered, could I not control our December? Then I realized something. The holidays ARE busy! This time of year IS busy! Why - WHEN - did that become something over which to feel such disgrace? Who told us that being busy meant we were wrong? Who says we can't fully embrace and extol the Spirit and The reason for season amid the hustle? I realized that the hustle, the bustle, the parties, the events, the traditions are all part of what I love about the holidays!!! It's partying with people I love to celebrate a Savior I adore! It's shopping to bless those I'm thankful for that brings such joy! It's traditions and memory-making!

I have two choices. I can embrace my holiday busyness and acknowledge that a part of me enjoys it, and that's nothing to feel bad about. Or I can fight it tooth and nail to embrace what? Peace, mindfulness, and intentionality? Irony. I choose to enjoy all the blessed busyness this year.

I don't promote, nor do I intend to live a life of chronic and perpetual busyness. But, dear one, if your calendar is bursting, it means you have friends. If your gift list is long, it means you have resources. If your house is full, it means you have a family. Gratitude can thrive during busyness! So as for me, I plan to deck the halls and sing my prayers because, sister, celebrations for Jesus are everywhere! Enjoy a bountiful and guilt-free holiday!