“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
Sometimes dealing with family over the holidays can be stressful. So, what can we do to enjoy the holiday season? Here are a few ideas:
1) Plan well. If we’re traveling to visit family or if they are traveling to us, make sure we know who is staying where. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Be fair, but be firm. Make sure it is clear what the expectations are. Will we need to bring an air mattress? Is there a “lights out” time? These may sound silly, but they can help avoid problems between us and our loved ones.
2) Avoid controversial topics. I am not saying that we shouldn’t share our faith with the people we care about the most; however, this precious time together should be spent enjoying and sharing life. That doesn’t mean we can’t have heart-to-heart convos…quite the opposite; face-to-face is the best way to have those. We should choose our words carefully. Don’t debate. Don’t argue.
3) Be flexible. Instead of wanting to do everything our way, allow the family to choose the restaurant, activity, or movie. Be forgiving. If our loved one gets irritable try not to take it personally. Remember, we may not get to spend much time with them. Focus on being together rather than what we are doing together.
Even if we won’t get to see our family during these holidays, we can apply these tips for any family events or visits.
“Dear Lord, thank You for the opportunity to spend time with family. Please help my heart to stay in the right place during this special time of year.”
For His Glory
Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
TRBC Women’s Life
trbccoffeebreak 
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