Maybe you’ve heard the popular quote by Stephen Covey, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
The only problem with this great quote is that it doesn’t tell you how (although I’m sure Mr. Covey expands on the quote in one of his books!).
Keeping the main thing the main thing is especially hard during the holiday season.
If we’re not careful, we’ll fill our time with events and forget about the relationships that make these events special.
Last year, after running my family ragged trying to do and see everything our community had to offer, I realized something…I was so busy trying to create special moments that I failed to enjoy the ones right in front of me.
So this year, I’m going about my holiday season differently.
I’m sure we’ll still visit some of the events our community has to offer, but we’ll also stay home more.
More hot chocolate…less running around.
More sitting in front of the fireplace…less sitting in the car.
More laughter…less rushing.
More cuddling…less stuff.
Several months ago, I read a book called Lead Your Family Like Jesus. There was a quote in the book from Tricia Goyer that has stuck with me all year long: “If your child’s most vivid childhood memory was of today, what would he or she remember?”
I don’t want my children to remember a stressed out, anxious mother. I don’t want them to remember me as someone who never had time to just sit with them and read a Christmas book or watch a Christmas movie.
There’s nothing wrong with doing fun things this holiday season…as long as those fun things don’t suck the joy out of your life.
So here’s the key to keeping the main thing the main thing: slow down.
The holidays are great opportunities for us to build memories with our children…as long as we remember to stop rushing and start building.
Let’s talk: How do you keep the main thing the main thing during the holidays?
About Lindsey Bell:
Lindsey Bell is the author of Searching for Sanity, a parenting devotional that will be released in January 2014. She’s also a stay-at-home mother of two, minister’s wife, avid reader, and chocolate lover. You can find Lindsey online at any of the following locations:
Her blog: www.lindsey-bell.com
Her website: www.lindseymbell.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LindseyMBell
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorLindseyBell
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Great reminders, Lindsey! For some reason this is really hard for me. Thanks for the encouragement!
Oh goodness, it’s hard for me too! I’m such a do-er that it’s difficult at times to just stop doing and enjoy the moments!
Great insight Lindsey! LOVE this post! Keeping the main thing the main thing is hard, but I love that you made a plan! Things actually happen when we’re more intentional about making them happen. 😉
Thanks SO much, Stephanie!
Thanks so much for having me on your blog today! It’s a pleasure to be here!