“I won’t have time to attend another recording, I will barely have enough time to pack for my trip to Madagascar,” I heard myself complain whilst discussing the last schedules for my work year. Going away on holiday makes me so stressed out sometimes!
The mere fact that we talk of holidays or “holy days” already conjures up the notion that these days must be different. They must be shining beacons of light that will lessen the darkness of the unknown year ahead of us. And the people we share these days with must therefore wear halos and behave like angels.
We wish to create unforgettable memories that resemble fairy tales, but then they turn out to resemble nightmares about ogres and witches. Because, you see, our temperaments always travel with us. The baggage of our high expectations and the realities of our different temperaments clash … and then dash our dreams.
As someone with a lot of Red in me, I know the feeling of knowing I need to stop and rest but then I struggle to actually do so. As much as the Yellow in me yearns for fun, excitement and relaxation, I still feel I must not waste valuable time on frivolities and still try to fit in as many achievements as I can.
If you are Green, you probably have no trouble implementing a policy of doing as little as possible, but what if your family and/or friends have other, more adventurous and sociable ideas? And my Blue friends, how anxious and stressed are you about all the costs and attention to detail to ensure all meals and trips are perfection incarnate?
Stop! Take a breath … Remember how blessed we are with a rhythm that includes days of rest when we have more time to focus on the love of God. Then change your thoughts and actions. Ask yourself: “What one thing will make my vacation a reminder of God’s grace?”
Not something grand to impress the Joneses. Not a combination of expensive trips and glittering objects with people looking and behaving like actors in a movie. Something real, something that will make you feel God loves you because you can be your true self whilst doing it.
You will find that it will be the simple things according to your temperament. For example, finishing the re-flooring of the braai area if you’re Red, laughing and chatting with friends at a braai if you’re Yellow, waking up late to brunch with only your family if you’re Green, and a long discussion about a topic close to your heart with one sympathetic listener if you’re Blue.
Now, ask your family and/or the friends you are going to spend the holy days with the same question. Can you plan with them to incorporate these simple things into your time together?
Maybe it will feel strange to plan and pack for the four temperaments. But it will be the best gifts ever to yourself and to the ones you love.
