The last few weeks have been crazy. And, looking at the calendar, it doesn’t seem like things will be any less crazy.

Finding out that I have a new appointment kick started the craziness. Finding out that we would be moving in January launched the craziness into full speed. Throw in the holiday season and you have the perfect recipe for clinical craziness. Oh, and add a new baby into the mix…that leads us into sleep deprived craziness.

In the midst of fulfilling my duties at Center Chapel, preparing for my new duties at Christ UMC, and carrying out the business of the holiday season, we’re also looking for a new house…and attempting to sell our current home (please pray for a quick sale!).

This has led to frequent trips to Lafayette. I can say that we are definitely getting familiar with the greater Lafayette area as we have pretty much driven through every part of town in search of a home.

Last Sunday, at the 8am service, I spoke about the importance of finding joy during the holidays. We get so busy that our focus is often limited to checking things off of our holiday duties list. Shopping for gifts, wrapping those gifts, holiday parties, family obligations, school programs, etc…it all equals busyness. And, in the midst of our busyness, we can often miss the intended joy that the holidays should bring.

So, my advice to myself…and anyone who seems to be a bit overwhelmed by the holidays…is to just slow down. Take in the important things…let the non-essentials fall to the side. You know, some of the things that we have convinced ourselves are essential to the holidays totally miss the point. Rather than focusing our time on finding the perfect gifts for our family and friends, maybe we should just slow down enough to spend some quality time with those we love.

For the next two weeks, I’m going to slow down. I’m going to hang out with my family. I’m going to hang out with my friends. I’m going to write sermons at the Heorot. I’m going to do things that bring me great joy and remind me of what this holiday season is all about.