Ecclesiastes 5:18 - Reflecting On Holiday (And Life) Expectations (Bible Journal)
"Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life (Ecclesiastes 5:18 NLT)."
This is a good verse to reflect on post Christmas. I am embarrassed to admit that I regretted not doing all of the Christmas stuff I wanted to do on my list, yet when I really thought and read about it, I realized that it is common to set impossible standards for the perfect holiday season. Now that the 2022 Christmas Day has happened, and all went well for my family and me, I can be happy with all the festivities and traditions that we did enjoy, and I can also soak up some more Christmas fun right now (I like to hold on to the season longer). All of this fits in nicely with the advice from Ecclesiastes 5:18. Instead of overthinking the holidays (and life in general), we are better off enjoying what we can, and accepting what we are able to do in the season we're in.
Thank You Lord for a good Christmas, and for the reminder from Scripture on how to look at some of our expectations, especially the unrealistic ones. Please help me to enjoy the blessings You have given me, and please help me to be a blessing for others too. Thank You for giving us the gift of Your Son, and for opening us up to a relationship with You through Him. Please help me to make more time for You in this coming year Lord, utilizing the methods You taught me to connect with You throughout this past year. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.