Opinion

Giving your mind a seasonal de-clutter

Ruth Lilley is starting to get caught up in the rush of Christmas preparations, but realises that, with God’s help, it is possible for Advent to be a season of relative calm and peace.

We have a tradition in our home - as we countdown through Advent the children get a present each day. This year I almost forgot to have the ‘Advent Bags’ ready on the morning of 1 December! I was fully aware that that date was coming up, yet I could not quite believe it when it arrived! How did December get here so quickly?
 
This season seems to bring so much busy-ness at work, although along with that comes lots of fun and proud moments. Then there are all the many things going on at home as well as the added extra of preparations for Christmas. I am completely and definitely not a ‘Grinch’ - I love this season and the light and hope it brings, although my head currently feels so full and as though there is no room in there for any order.
 
I am trying to organise these thoughts, and have a very long to-do list in the notes of my phone. I feel a sense of achievement when I mark something as done. Yet, I feel that there is still a lot muddling around my head and with that has come the feeling that this is contributing to some unhelpful behaviour. With my mind so full, when the big feelings come (which can seem more frequent at this time of year) there is little space to pause, take a breath and make a helpful choice. I would not say that my behaviour is destructive, but I am not being a good role model to those around me, and I realise that organised chaos is not conducive to peace.
 
What would be helpful is if it could all slow down somewhat! Yet, I’m not sure that is possible, so I am going to have to find a different way. We read in the Bible that it is possible for us to take our thoughts and allow them to be captive to Christ.

‘…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.’ 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
 
We do not have to find the strength to do this by ourselves, we can do this through the strength of the Holy Spirit. When we make our thoughts obedient to Christ, I believe we take away the opportunity for our thoughts to run away with us or to feel overwhelmed. Instead by aligning my thoughts with the thoughts of Jesus, I am choosing a calmer approach to the day.
 
Perhaps I will clearly see what is necessary and what is just habit. Maybe the chaos of this season will fall aside as I consider what Jesus would do. As I remember the birth of my Saviour, I am reminded of simplicity which may enable me to let the fuss and the need to do this, that and the other simply slip away.
 
Committing to the choice of making my thoughts obedient to Christ and considering Him above all else this Christmas time will hopefully lead to a decluttered mind and space for peace and joy to reign.
 
Photo by Dari lli on Unsplash

Ruth Lilley teaches at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’

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