Filled Up and Prayed Up

'Tis the season for family events, and lots of them. Most of the time family events are wonderful. Still, sometimes they can leave you feeling stressed and sad if you don't have the "perfect" family. (Who does?) Unmet expectations, and baggage from our past are dragged into the "fun, festive" events of the season, making for some rough interactions. But I've learned a secret.  If I'm filled up and prayed up - I don't get fed up!

Filled up is simple. I don't look to my extended family to define my worth. So what if they make that little jab, don't notice all the hard work I did preparing, or don't like the gift that I thought they'd love. I have filled up my "love tank" with my value through God's eyes. These are just a few the verses I fill up with, but you should pick your own.

"Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." Psalm 27:10

"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will 

take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, 

but will rejoice over you with singing” Zephaniah 3:17

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, 

God’s special possession...." 2 Peter 2:9

Second I make sure I am prayed up. Before an event, I spend special time in prayer. I ask God to guard my mouth against saying anything to hurt any of my family, and to guard my heart against harmful words that may be aimed at me, intentionally or unintentionally.  I pray for my family members to not be hurt as well. I pray that I may remain an adult, and not revert back to childhood family dynamics. I pray.

Now, I truly enjoy family events...usually. But even when I am weary, I am no longer hurt. Because I know who I am and who I am no longer. I am a daughter of the King of Kings...and He thinks I am to die for!

Why not try getting filled up and prayed up before you next family event?  It truly makes a difference, and you'll discover when you're filled up and prayed up, you won't get fed up and let down.

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com