Are you a Thermometer or a Thermostat?

Our new product reviewer, Suzanne, aka Suz, is also a pretty good writer, and next to my Dad, and my pastor, the most truly religious person I know. But she's alot of fun, and knows how to keep things on an even keel. So I was thrilled when she (who by the way was responsible for ME starting this blog!), asked if she could write a guest post now and then. Right....like I'm gonna let her write just now and then! Read this wonderful take of hers on the holiday season and stress, and you'll see why I'm gonna pull her on board as a permanent writer, and reviewer, for us! So give her some blog love when you get down reading, ok?

During this holiday season it is easy to figure out that stress levels rise, tempers shorten and patience goes on vacation. And all during the season of joy, love, peace and giving.  Yea, right!

The fact is that not everyone you are going to see over the holiday season is going to be happy to see you, just as you may not be happy to see them. Due to past hurts and offenses that have gone unresolved, apprehension at seeing certain family members or old friends can be paralyzing.  

You have probably heard the cliché, “your attitude determines your altitude” a thousand times, but there is some truth to it. And this year I personally would rather eat turkey, then soar with them. So let’s prepare ourselves now for a more enjoyable and less painful holiday (at least for our emotions, if not our pocketbooks).

Here are a few steps to make this Christmas season more peaceful:

1. Be unoffendable. Don’t be so touchy. We usually get offended when we think “we” are the center of attention – and apparently no one else got the memo!
2. Change your pace. Slow down a little bit and try not to live on adrenaline but out of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. Stay positive with your speech. What are you saying? Does it edify? Does it lift someone up or put someone down? Is it encouraging?

A thermometer goes up and down with its environment. A thermostat sets the temperature of the environment. It has been said that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% your reaction to it.

So my challenge to each of you this holiday season is to be the thermostat. Set the atmosphere for a time of joy, love, peace and giving by being gracious in your speech, your actions and your thoughts.