The Holidays are here and you are most likely expecting this post to be about something fun, festive, and holiday-ish. Under normal circumstances, you would be right.

But, my husband and myself are in a season of ministry that is anything but normal. Our little church is growing exponentially keeping us over the top busy. We just completed a writing project for NavPress. We are struggling with major allergy issues of our three-year-old daughter. Then out of nowhere we lost two staff members to an emergency medical crisis in their lives.

Just when I need to be conjuring up festive feelings for the upcoming holidays, I feel so empty. Like completely empty.

I spend my days trying to figure out what to say to people in need and how to pray for my ever-growing list of prayer concerns in our church. Despite my emptiness, people are hurting. They need comfort, counseling, and encouragement and their hurts and needs don't wait for me to get over the numbness and emptiness I feel.

I dare to tell you this, because I am betting that there are more than a few pastors' wives out there that are like me. Surely, I am not the only PW who is a little tired or overwhelmed or even maybe just maybe feel like you have nothing to offer the very people you are responsible for ministering too.

There are some things we are doing to get back to normal. We have a date night, we have taken some vacation days, and we have improved our eating habits in an effort to bring balance and normalcy back to our lives. But, these things alone are not capable of eliminating my emptiness.

Date nights and a healthy eating plan are good things, but they don't meet the deepest needs of the soul. The only thing I know to do is to call out to God and allow the richness of Scripture to fill me up. God's Word has the ability to fill to overflowing the deepest holes in a heart.

The Message says, When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; grace me! hear me! (Ps 4:1).

The Psalmist has but one request--"Grace me!" Such a simple but profound request; just give me grace, grace, and more grace. These days, I find myself praying a similar prayer. I am desperate for God's grace in my life and ministry to wash over me and to fill the deepest needs of my heart and soul.

Maybe you have some empty places that can't be satisfied apart from God's grace. If so, join me in praying for God's grace to wash over those empty places.

Join us in the forum and tell us how you fill the empty with Grace 

Donna Hutchman

Think about your Christmas' past. No, I'm not the ghost from A Christmas Carol. I am just prompting you to pause and consider. Remembering moments from past Christmases will help you decide what is most important to you. What was it about that Christmas that was so special?

For some, Christmas is that beautiful warm feeling of "no place like home for the holidays". The smell of baking and the gathering of family is what's all about.  Others love the Christmas season and what it stands for, but get blinded by beautiful lights and the expectation of gifts.

 During this season you see people everywhere, fighting the traffic and crowds to get just the perfect gift. There are some who live for gift giving and others who would rather do anything else but they shop out of duty and obligation.

Then there are the expectations of others. As women in ministry we wrestle with unrealistic expectations often. This time of year this can bring on even more stress to our family and ministry.   It can become way too much!

I've tried to make a true effort to keep things simple so we don't miss Christmas or lose sight of why we as Christians acknowledge it. Here are a few suggestions regarding keeping Christmas simple for ministry families. 

*Gifts -  I consider each person and what is truly important to them.  Shopping is done bit by bit throughout the year and without putting our bank account in the red.  

*Decorations are simple and meaningful. And I am more intentional about my involvement in each activity.

*Establish boundaries: Schedule days to enjoy as a family. Don't allow the expectations of the church family encroach on your family. This must be done intentionally or it just won't happen.

*Ask am I the one who should.... Are you the one who should host, plan, play, cook, etc. Or are you doing it because others expect you to?