Guest Writer: Erica Jevons Sizemore
Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us.”
The holidays always seem to be filled with both excitement and trepidation in my house. Not because of the long list of to-dos, but because we’re a blended family.
As a blended family, the stresses that surround the holidays seem especially difficult to navigate. There are lot of extras that need to be considered… extra sets of traditions, extra extended family to consider, etc.
When my blended family embarks on holiday planning, we have three children to think about on three different schedules, with one that is grown and married with a set of in-laws of their own. We have exes in different places, and subsequently additional grandparents all with very different traditions.
I’d almost rather be victim to some sort of medieval torture method than broach a discussion with my husband about who, what, when, where and why for the coming holiday festivities. When we finally get to that point to sit down together, it most often results in the status quo. In the end, we’re both giving up something and there tends to be hurt feelings. Even with the greatest benevolence, the conversation can be fraught with guilt and pain.
The challenges we face in our blended family are often more than I can handle. You may understand if you are part of a blended family, or maybe you understand because you grew up in one or married into one. The holidays can cause me to tailspin emotionally.
This is when I must remind myself to give every circumstance to God. To trust Him. Without Him, blending a family during the holidays is a nearly impossible, mountainous road to climb.
After making many mistakes, my husband and I have learned that God alone knows what’s best for our marriage and for our wonderful blended family. And while we cannot run from the consequences – and all the extra holiday planning – we can learn to handle things His way. I’ve learned God is able to heal deep wounds. He has given us the Bible, His guide book to show us the way.
Strengthen YOUR Blended Family
Saturday Morning, November 11th
Registration Includes: Breakfast, the book, God Breathes on Blended Families and Childcare.
If you need childcare, let us know when you register.
REGISTER HERE
Holidazed
Managing the Stress of Family Dynamics
Luncheon, Friday, November 10th