COMBATTING THE WONDER WOMAN SYNDROME
“Be still, and know that I am God … (Psalm 46:10, NIV).
This time of year, those of us who are ill and female need to especially beware of exchanging our normal everyday
attire for the red cape and diamond tiara of Wonder Woman. Although we are prone
to overdoing at other times during the year, nothing compares to the Christmas rush.
Instead of rushing into the frenzied planning of the holidays, let’s strive to practice the inner beauty of self-control,
defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “the act, power or habit of keeping one’s energies under control of
the will.” This Fruit of the Spirit is often forgotten during seasons
of busyness.
Those of us with chronic illness/pain ought to be thankful that we have built-in energy limitations. My warning signs include headaches, excessive fatigue and dizziness.
When I get one or more of these symptoms, rest becomes my main priority. Daily,
I have to practice the discipline of pacing, resting and setting limits. Like
me, many of you have probably learned that when we try to do it all, we are not having a ball, as the saying goes. We are left feeling grumpy and totally exhausted.
I believe that busyness (and not just during the holidays) is one of Satan’s key strategies to keep us
from spending time with Christ. It wasn’t Martha that Jesus commended,
but Mary, for sitting at His feet (Luke 10:38-42). Martha’s preparations
might have been unnecessarily elaborate, as are many of our holiday preparations. Mary,
however, knew that listening to Christ was “an extraordinary opportunity to be given preference over other less important
concerns.” Jesus makes it very clear in this passage that nothing is
as important in life as daily communion with Him.
How will you spend the holidays this year? Will it be rushing around
needlessly or setting aside quality time to spend with the Prince of Peace? Since
Christ is the only One who can give true meaning and purpose to our lives, wouldn’t it be better to focus on Him during
the holidays? Let’s choose the better part, like Mary did, and have a meaningful,
Christ-centered holiday season.
Dear Jesus, Help us to spend this holiday season
seeking You.
