Making Excuses and Saying, “No.”

Exodus 18:17-18 - Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone."

Christmas is almost upon us. All of the shopping and cooking can feel like a giant wave catching up with us, and washing us into a storm of activities.
                                                                                                          
It’s fun to attend parties and looking for just the right gift for someone. But for someone with a chronic health condition, you can’t keep up with all that is in front of you.
 

• You’d like to decorate the tree – But that means climbing onto a step stool to reach the top of the tree to place the star.
• You’d like to make Christmas cookies – But that means using your hands and wrists to stir the dough.
• You’d like to go shopping – But that means walking, lifting, and bending to put the items in your car’s trunk.
• You’d like to attend Christmas parties – But that would mean going out in the evening the worst time of your day.

 
So you set a magic hat in front of you and reach inside to find reasons why you can’t do these things even though other people think you’re just making excuses. Your, “No,” is unacceptable to them. After all, Christmas only happens once a year.
 
So you change your clothes, put on a happy face and head out the door to go shopping or attend a party.
 
But what’s the result?
 
Your chronic illness takes stage front and everyone sees you sinking into a couch with pain written across your face.
 
There has to be a better way. How do you enjoy the holiday season when you have chronic pain? Nationalpainreport.com posts the article, “15 Tips for Surviving the Holidays with Chronic Illness.” The article suggests only scheduling one thing a day. This way you won’t overdue yourself. Also, go potluck and opt for convenience by using premade items for holiday meals.
 
Take a look at the Bible verse above. Moses was trying to judge every decision the Israelites came to him for. He was way over his head trying to fit everything into one day. When his father-in-law came for a visit, he saw all that Moses was doing and said that it wasn’t good. Moses listened to the advice and appointed leaders who could settle the smaller disputes and the people saved the large ones to bring to Moses.
 
During the holiday season we can all find ourselves swept up into the waves of all the things that “need” to be done. But that’s not healthy for anyone, especially for those with chronic health conditions. Don’t be afraid to say no to the many activities available and don’t be afraid to ask for help, like Moses did, when you need it. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the season instead of dreading it.

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