Is anyone else shocked Thanksgiving is just a few days away? Even though it’s felt like the longest, hottest summer possible, it also feels like we were just ringing in 2024. And for me, the days from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve always seem to fly.
 
We run from one party to the next, pick up a gift or a baked good for someone special, try to fit in time with our immediate families, extended families and all our loved ones – and end up zapped at the end of every single day. And somehow, we look up and it’s Dec. 31.
 
What if you entered this holiday season with a slow pace of gratitude and contentment?
 
I struggle with both of those. I want the house to be perfect for every guest. I want to start chipping away at my goals for next year now. I want to make strides toward becoming the best wife, mom and friend I can be – but I can run out of steam fast that way.
 
Contentment, thankfulness and joy are not dependent on circumstances. They are gifts from the One whose gifts never come back void. If I first fill my cup up with his holy contentment, I no longer feel the pressure to hustle and bustle through my self-made to-do lists.
 
“… for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” – Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV)
 
My favorite part about this verse is that the Apostle Paul says this is something he has learned. Learning something typically takes practice. Just like an apostle, we have to practice this contentment.
 
For me, practicing contentment looks like leaning into God moment by moment and allowing him to lead my days – rather than the schedule. You will never get these days back. What does God have for you that you might miss by just being too busy?
 
I challenge you to take the rest of the year to practice this. What a joyful time to soak in the blessings God has given you – and a special opportunity to walk slowly and intentionally toward the end of the year.

Written by Emily Ahrens, director of marketing communications for Buckner International. 

Have you signed up to receive your free digital Buckner Advent Guide?