Since this is my last blog before Thanksgiving, I felt like I should write a devotional about gratefulness.  I thought I should go on and on about how grateful I am for each and every one of you (because I am so, so grateful!)

And while, yes, we should be “giving thanks always” (Ephesians 5:20) and “give thanks in in all circumstances; for this is the will of God,” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), there was something else God was pushing on my heart.

I like to be busy, especially if there is a reason to be busy.  I absolutely hate being bored, so I always make sure there is more stuff on my to-do list than I can actually accomplish.  Or, if I do finish my list for the day, I finish it like I’m sliding into home plate with the ball whizzing over my head – just barely made it! (What a rush that day is!)

I know this isn’t healthy – physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  But I actually enjoy the adrenaline built by racing the day’s 24 hours.

During the holidays, everybody is busy, so I feel less guilty as I continue on my mad pace, maybe even adding more to my plate – decorating? bake holiday cookies? wrap presents? – GO!

But I think it is more important that we stand firm in the faith.

“Woah, Caitlin,” you might be saying, “Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you’re straying from the faith!”

Eh, not exactly.  But consider the following Bible verses:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

“And he [God] said, said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you [Moses] rest.” – Exodus 33:14

God desires that we slow down and just enjoy time with Him.  He wants us to be reading our Bibles, praying, worshiping Him, and fellowshipping with other believers. 

He wants us to prioritize what’s important, and not waste time and energy just being busy.  

I want to encourage you to slow down this holiday season, just as I am going to try to do, and focus on spending time with God and family.  Doing the ‘holiday things’ can be fun and many are important (yes, I do really want to eat on Thanksgiving!) but do we need to do ALL the things?  Who are we trying to impress?  God is the only One who matters, and He just wants us.  He doesn’t need our fine china or perfect house.

First Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Watch your priorities, friends.  Guard them carefully.  Please enjoy the holidays.  Do all the holiday traditions that mean the most to you.  But don’t feel like you need to do ALL the things.  Keep Christ first, family second, and all the activities somewhere down the line.

And  yes, as Thanksgiving approaches, know that I am extremely grateful for you!  Your support means the world to me!

Just out of curiosity, what are some of your favorite holiday traditions?  Let me know! 

Our Thanksgiving tradition seems to be traveling, since we don’t live near any of our family (an hour is the shortest drive to see family). 

For Christmas, most of our traditions involve food.  Haha!  We cook Breakfast Casserole (more commonly called Potato Casserole) in the Crock Pot overnight, so it’s ready to graze on all day between unwrapping presents.  This is something my family did while I was growing up.  On Christmas morning, sometime during presents, we bake cinnamon rolls (a tradition from my husband’s family) and a birthday cake for Jesus (because I can never remember to do it BEFORE Christmas Day…)

So happy Thanksgiving, friend! Here is your permission to relax a little bit and check your priorities. 🙂