November 2021 Newsletter
Okay, so it’s time to look back and look ahead.
The holidays are in full swing, I’m five days into my first-ever sabbatical, all the magic of December is on the horizon and I’ve been having a lot of conversations about expectations lately. Mainly, the expectations we put on ourselves. Specifically, the expectations I put on myself. This is a year-round, 365-day occurrence in my life, but I see it heightened during the holidays. Mounting pressure to be thoughtful, present, intentional, and if I’m honest — impressive.
In the last two weeks, a friend and a counselor both separately asked me if I would feel comfortable putting the expectations I have for myself on anyone else. Essentially, is what I am expecting of myself reasonable for anyone? To which the only answer I could offer was, no. No, I would certainly not subject anyone else to the expectations I have for myself. That would be unkind. And if it would be unkind to place those expectations on someone else, why do I think it’s okay to place those expectations on myself? Well, that is the question, friends. The question that I will continue to work through in counseling and continue to ponder on this sabbatical, but I share it here because I suspect that I am not the only one with an expectations issue.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by all the things you need to do over this Christmas season, I would encourage you to ask yourself, who told you that you need to do them? Who is expecting that of you? And is all that you are carrying, doing, and trying to get done a reasonable load for any one human being? I’ll be over here, asking myself all the same questions. Likely, 25 times a day.
There is only One that can be in all places at once, only One knows all things, and only One that holds all things together. And that One is not me, and it is not you. As Advent approaches, let us fix our eyes on Christ and rest in who He is and who we are in light of Him, surrendering our desire to be perfect (or impressive or the best), knowing that we don’t have to be because HE IS.
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
Colossians 1:15-20
Featured This Month
Things I’m loving right this very minute!
This Soup
My friend, Randi, sent me this recipe and it’s so good, perfect for these colder days! It would be perfect to sub chicken for your leftover thanksgiving turkey!
King Richard
We watched this movie as a family last night and it was everything you want in a sports movie + the intricacies of an origin story. We loved it! You can watch it on HBOMax or in theaters.
YNAB
If one of your goals in the new year is getting your financial life in order, this budgeting tool has been invaluable to me since January 2020. That’s right, it took me nearly 30 years to figure out the budgeting thing (or should I say the sticking-to-a-budget thing) and it’s been a game changer. I especially like YNAB’s feature for saving towards future goals.
The Advent of the Lamb of God
This is one of my favorite Advent reads, I read one chapter a day beginning December 1st and it takes you right to Christmas Day! Last year, I shared some other simple ways to celebrate Advent here.
Happy Friday. friends! I pray this note was a source of encouragement and maybe a little inspiration. If you love getting these emails, would you consider forwarding it to a friend? This newsletter has become my favorite creative outlet and I’d love to be able to share it with anyone you think might find it encouraging. I’d love to hear what you are loving or how you are using the goal guide, hit that reply button and let me know!
Thanks for being here!
Marissa
