The Pressure is Off

As I lay on the couch trying to stave off a migraine and the numbness in my face I am quickly reminded of the reality of life. Many of us have high expectations for our holidays. Perhaps our families have high expectations for us to make things just right. Either way there is always pressure felt at this time of year.

It wasn't in my plan that I would feel this way today. I should be making the pecan pie, sweet potatoes and salad that I offered to bring to my in-laws. It wasn't my friend's plan that her kitchen would be flooded two days before company arrived and that she would have to find alternate plans. And it wasn't in my mother-in-laws plan to break a bone in one foot and sprain the other so that she won't be able to stand and cook a meal. 

As the pressure mounts to provide our families with lasting memories we can begin to think that it is all up to us. We can begin to think that our hope is in the final product whether it be the perfect pie, the perfect gift or an altogether perfect day. We forget about the fact that God knows what is going on in our lives and loves us. 

Whether things begin to unravel for us or if we are blessed with the best day ever this holiday season let's remember one thing, our worth is not in our performance as a mother, wife or hostess extraordinaire. True and lasting worth can only be found in our identity in Christ.

Our identity lies in the very fact that we are loved. We are his beloved with whom he is well pleased, regardless of our ability to satisfy the needs and wants of those around us. Our identity is that of having the righteousness of Christ;the only One who never got it wrong. 

Whether I make it off the couch today and get my cooking done or whether I end up with another three day migraine, I must remember one thing. My hope is not in what I can do but rather in what he has done and continues to do within me.

So go ahead, stuff your turkeys, make place mats with your kids, but above all remember that in all things our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. The righteousness that has been handed to you from the cross. Take it and enjoy the relief that we are offered through God's grace. The pressure is off!