KERRY ANDERSON | GUEST
So, it seems once again, just like all previous years, November follows October, and the holiday season is upon us. Let the planning and preparations begin—even though it was 80 degrees the other day where I live. In my current season of life, this preparation looks like coordinating dates and schedules with my married children and the teen still at home to see when we can be together. It also looks like starting the digital gift wish lists, making sure we have enough guest towels, and even revisiting traditions, recipes, and events to make sure they still suit everyone. My excitement grows with the planning, but so do my Hallmark movie-like expectations for every moment from now until New Year’s Day. Can’t you just see us all snuggled up in our matching pajamas?
(Unmet) Expectations
Because the holiday season often revolves around traditions, it’s good and reasonable to have certain expectations for how the days will go. If we’ve always run a Turkey Trot and eaten at 3 p.m. with chocolate pie for dessert, it makes sense our minds and hearts go there. If it’s been 30 years of the same prayer around the same table with Grandma Jane’s famous yeast rolls, of course we crave the delight and comfort in that. The Bible is full of examples of celebrations and feasts and remembrances that look the same each year (Lev. 23:33ff; Neh. 8:13ff; Job 1:4-5) so God’s people are stirred to fellowship, remember, and give thanks. This is good.
However, life and the scriptures have also taught us that though we chart a course, the Lord is the one who determines our steps…
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