How to Speak Up and Set Holiday Boundaries- Part 2
Thanksgiving is just a week away, and I’m praying for our community right now. I want each of us to set some boundaries that will allow us to bask in this season of gratitude.
Here’s a warning:
With no boundaries, gratitude quickly turns to resentment.
It’s true. Not only are boundaries biblical, they’re the key to loving others well. Seems strange, but it’s a fact. I’m seeing the beautiful fruit of them in my own life, so I wanted to share with you.
Last week, I shared a video about your own expectations. (How to Speak Up and Set Holiday Boundaries– Part 1)
This week, I’m sharing about how deal with others’ expectations. (How to Speak Up and Set Holiday Boundaries– Part 2)
After you watch the video, here’s your assignment for the rest of the holiday season.
Today’s To-Do: Assess each expectation coming at you before you answer with an enthusiastic “yes,” a gentle “no,” or a compromise.
For more about boundaries…
So much of what I’ve learned about biblical boundaries is found in Exhale, and it was thrilling to hear what others have been learning too. Listen in to this conversation that Cheri, my co-author and I, have with a couple of friends! It’s just amazing what you can learn about the ideas in your own book through another’s lens.
Coming Next Week…
I know I’m not Oprah, but I just can’t resist Just in time for Christmas shopping, I’ll be sharing “Your Girlfriends’ Guide to 20 Great Gifts” Don’t miss all my favorite treats and treasures for the ones you love!
I appreciate your idea about compromise. It gave a good idea for an expectation that could crowd an already packed Saturday. Church leader decided 2 weeks ago to have Ministry Expo first Saturday in December when I already have prep day for my son’s (& fiancee’s bridal shower Sunday afternoon) & a family friends private wedding Saturday night.?
I can drop off white chili crock pot, stay for first hour at my Ladies Discipleship class booth at Ministry Expo, then pass baton to co-leader & slip away to the rest of my busy day. ?
Barb, I LOVE that you’ve found a way to compromise, helping and preserving time for a fun family event! <3
Thank you so much. Just in time…
Hugs to you, Laura!
Hello Amy,
Thank you for this sweet reminder about expectations. They really do ramp up during the holidays. All of my kids are adults now. They understand that I have some physical limitations due to to arthritis. So I don’t hesitate to ask everybody to pitch in toward preparing our Thanksgiving meal. I have also learned to ask for help with cleanup if I find myself alone in the kitchen. I find that most of those heavy expectations are my own, and I’m learning, still, to let them go. One of the best Christmases we’ve had was one in which the only expectation I could meet was that we were together. (Long story, you can read it at https://freshleavesdotorg.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/when-christmas-gets-squeezed/ )
I love your questions surrounding expectations! I’m writing them on my planner and intend to incorporate them into my weekly planning year-round.
Blessings!
Shari
Shari, it sounds like you have found a loving way to communicate boundaries and expectations. Thanks for encouraging all of us with your story! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!