Learning to Pivot

One of the greatest lessons I'm learning in my life is to go with the flow or to pivot. I was talking with a friend and said to her that half the battle with the holidays is not to be so rigid in what we think these days should look like. As I've learned to be easy going about my expectations it has made for some very pleasant memories.

I cringe to think back on my earlier years and all the times I threw a fit because things weren't going according to the plan I had in my head. The reality is that we cannot control anything in our lives and the more we try to, the more unhappy we will become.

This year's holiday plans included a lot of pivoting and yet, it has been one of the most pleasant I can remember. A lot of that had to do with the fact that I was determined to be okay with things being different. 

We had our traditional Christmas eve service (being in ministry means some things will always be the same). But my daughter and son-in-law ended up staying home and continuing to pack up their apartment for a move.

Instead of the normal food spread I do on Christmas eve, I opted for a quick dinner before the service and waited until Christmas Day to do the rest.

Instead of a sit-down dinner, I made a breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls for breakfast, but then did finger foods for the rest of the day. Everyone actually loved that better and it certainly made for a more relaxed environment.

We used to always open gifts right after breakfast, but because Emily and Ryan came later we didn't start opening them until around 11 a.m. And to be honest, now that I don't have little children that are up at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning, I'm not complaining!

My husband has been a Cleveland Brown's fan forever and those who know how they NEVER win will appreciate the humor in this gift. 

We ate after opening the gifts and then it was football and nap time! 😂

It was really an enjoyable Christmas. It basically consisted of eating, laughing, opening gifts, and relaxing. 

I had to pivot again yesterday as the plan was to pack up my daughter and son-in-law, drive the 300 miles to their new home, spend the night and unpack today. However, an ice storm messed up those plans. 

We were able to get up there and pack everything but their mattress and overnight things. Dan, myself and the boys traveled the hour and a half back home just as the ice was starting. It was a good decision as their were cars off the road and ice was covering everything. 

Dan and I are headed back up early this morning to load up the final few things and then we are making the drive with them to unload, spend the night and help them unpack tomorrow. 

To be honest, pivoting usually ends up being the better option in many ways. As I've learned to go with the flow it makes for a better environment. My attitude is better as I face each challenge and figure out a different plan. And it makes for a nicer atmosphere for those around me as well.