Christmas was just a few days ago and I can imagine you have some remaining signs around the house that indicate just that! Perhaps the tree is still up and lights outside. Unwrapped gifts under the tree waiting for a new location. Sugar cookies still in the container. A bit of turkey soup left over in the fridge.
Christmas can be a whirl of activity, laughter, parties and busyness...and then it's done. Where did it all go? Sometimes, after it's all over, we question just how good was our Christmas? When people ask "How was your Christmas?" what will you say?
Maybe you've noticed how the holidays can bring up painful as well as pleasant feelings. For many, there are changes or losses in life that make Christmas very difficult. Just a few days before Christmas, a friend of mine lost his wife, who died from Early Alzheimer's Disease. I can't imagine his Christmas. For others, Christmas is magical, full of beautiful traditions, loving family and joyful celebrations.
Sometimes, it's not only the feelings that are the problem for most of us. Probably one of the biggest Christmas culprits at this time of year is comparison. We compare ourselves with others and think to ourselves "Everyone seems so happy; I wonder what's wrong with me?" or "Wow..everyone seems to have the perfect family, perfect Christmas and perfect life." I know I've had some of those very thoughts before. Maybe you have too. We may not care about the gifts our friends receive, but we can easily get stuck in the comparison trap with other families' holidays. Their holidays may appear more special. More happy. More memorable. More extravagant. More peaceful. Or fill in the blank for yourself. Take a look at Facebook...where we see the best side of people. How often do you see a bad hair day on Facebook? A grim declaration of how someone really feels? An open look into what's really going on in the family tree? Families don't always look as cheerful as the picture that comes on the card.
Comparison is never a good thing. If I compare to those who have what seems perfect, I feel ungrateful and insecure. If I compare to those that don't have what I have, I feel pompous and proud. God calls us to be different. To be grateful people. He calls us to look to Him, not others for our satisfaction. He was the originator of Christmas. It was not about stuff or perfect families. It was God sending His son Jesus to be born in a simple manger. A simple birth, yet glorious, beautiful and humble. When are hearts and minds are focused on Jesus, comparison goes out the window!
Will you consider starting this year with a spirit of gratitude? Stop for a moment and consider the specific ways you get caught up in comparing your life with others. Start this new day with a commitment to look to God, not people for your satisfaction. He is enough. Really, He is.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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