When we enter into the holidays, it's easy to get caught up in the expectations for that picturesque Instagram-worthy ideal gathering for our friends and family. Sometimes it turns out that way, but more often than not there is something that feels a little off, or our expectations go unmet, or we struggle with the reality of the Christmas season as it battles with our unrealistic expectations.
 
This past Sunday, we talked about four things to remember this holiday season when the turkey is burnt, or the relationship falters, or the holly jolly seems to be a distant memory.
 
Remember to communicate.
Remember to be thankful.
Remember to forgive.
Remember God is in control.
 
If you didn't hear that message, check it out here! 
 
Some of us, myself included, can take all the help we can get.

So here are five (more) things to remember this holiday season:

1. Remember to focus on the main thing. Have you heard the phrase "Jesus is the Reason for the Season"? There is a reason this phrase exists! We often forget to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, and allow these other things to matter more than they should. The Christmas season is important. Thanksgiving is important, but not just because of family, or food, or football, or friends. It's important because it sets aside time to remember Jesus, why He came, and what He did on the cross. Keep focused on the main thing, and other things fall into place.

2. Remember to adjust your expectations. Expectations are healthy things, and sometimes we need to advocate in a way that people meet them. However, there are times when our expectations are unrealistic. Evaluate your expectations (even write them down) and then ask the Holy Spirit to help you adjust accordingly. Pray, "Holy Spirit, what do you want me to do? I am listening." Then do your best to obey.

3. Remember to embrace flexibility. Recently, my wife Abbie and I entered into a situation with our kids and we genuinely didn't know how it was going to go. Is this house baby-proofed? Will the food they offer for dinner be something our kids will eat or fling across the room? As we entered, Abbie and I looked at each other and said, "This is Plan A, but we can be flexible." As our kids are running all over the place, or throwing a fit, or having a great time, the slight attitude adjustment of being okay with Plan B, or C, or Q can release some of the tension that comes along with changing approaches and plans.

4. Remember to be generous. There are so many opportunities to be generous during the holiday season. Generosity is an amazing reminder of what God has given, and that we can be a part of giving to others as well. One way to be generous could be Giving Tuesday here at The Ridge. You'll hear more about what God is doing soon!

5. Remember to rest. Having littler kids reminds me of how important rest and sleep really are. A temper tantrum is often connected to rest (or the lack thereof). No, not just for my kids. For us adults, too! Sometimes the anger and frustration we feel is just us being tired. We run ourselves ragged and forget that rest is an important piece to having peace.

And, just a reminder...God is in control. God is in control, and is working. This holiday season, even in the midst of your unmet expectations, God is working – and when He works, it’s amazing. When someone lets you down, God is accomplishing more than you can comprehend. When the Hallmark movie seems more like a dream than a reality, God is doing more than you can ask Him to do. INFINITELY more.
 
Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”