“Brenda?” called the nurse to welcome me in for my weekly allergy shots. I was surprised when two of us stood up. After seeking clarification, I waited for Brenda M. to be called.
I can count on one hand the Brendas I’ve known over the years. Imagine my surprise when at the next visit a different Brenda and I shared the waiting room. And another new Brenda, a couple weeks later.
My favorite is the little round-faced five-year-old with bright red hair. She thought it was great that we shared a name and dramatically told me she was named after her grandma who had passed away but also had red hair like hers.
I thought my name was more unusual—unique. Turns out, in the context of my allergy office, it’s not. Had I not heard the other Brendas names called, I wouldn’t have known what we share in common.
At the first session of the organizing class I teach, I ask the students to share what motivated them to attend. It’s almost an audible collective sigh of relief as they hear others share their organizing challenges—paper piles, cluttered bedrooms, walk-in closets you can’t walk into, etc. They’re surprised to learn their challenges aren’t unique.
During the holidays you might be invited to homes where it looks like “all is calm, all is bright.” Chances are, it's not. Most of us experience an added challenge to stay organized with the extra décor, activities, food, gift wrap, visitors, and gifts that accompany the holidays. Here are a few Timely Tips to ease the common holiday challenges.
Timely Tips for Holiday Challenges
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YOU'RE NOT ALONE
Remember that the unique ones are those who breeze through the holidays with flawless order. The rest of us experience challenges.
LET GO OF PERFECTION
Don’t allow social media to create your standard. Your guests may be relieved to find things aren’t perfect at your place, since their homes aren’t perfect either.
CLEAR COMMON AREAS
You may need to stuff some things into an already cluttered closet, garage, or home office. Better to do that than be stressed by a cluttered kitchen, living room, and entry.
PRACTICE A 10-MINUTE TIDY
Before going to bed cruise through the common areas and tidy up.
SCHEDULE POST-HOLIDAY ORGANIZING
Give yourself a deadline for packing and storing your holiday décor. Then, move on to those closets and catch-all rooms that helped keep your common areas clear.
The message of Christmas also carries contrasting parts of commonality and uniqueness.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
We all share the need for a Savior, but God calls us individually to respond to the gift He gave—Jesus. May you and yours know the Savior and experience eternal life in Him. Merry Christmas!