When I say shopping, I mean the old-school, in-person kind of shopping. It’s very seldom I visit a mall, but I feel nostalgia for retail shopping around the holidays.

This is probably because I spent seven holiday seasons working in a retail environment. I still remember being at the mall early on crowded Black Fridays, serving hurried customers, and helping replenish items to already overstocked shelves. It might sound strange, but I actually enjoyed being in the middle of the chaos that comes with the Christmas shopping season.

While many will shop online this year, the total amount people will spend is staggering. If you combine both in-person and online shopping, it’s estimated that Americans will spend about $843 billion on retail items alone this holiday season (statistics from the National Retail Federation).

One thing that’s universally true:

Christmas costs a lot, and it costs more this year than it ever has before.

I hope that in the midst of the shopping, the decorations, the Santa Claus visits, and the stressful work parties, you’ll pause to reflect on the real reason we celebrate.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son”—the most valuable gift this world has ever seen (John 3:16, ESV). Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem and dwelt among us.

Even today, the most costly part of Christmas is the gift given back in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago.

So, when you’re at the mall shopping for a gift, checking out on Amazon, or looking at your bank statement this year, let’s stop to think about how much Christmas really did cost and why we celebrate it.

‍For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.– Isaiah 9:6

Have you noticed how the greatest seasons of joy and celebration are often also the most busy and stressful times of year? A lot of times our life feels like the scene in Home Alone when the family oversleeps and rushes frantically to get out the door.

Take, for example, the salesperson trying to hit their quota for the end of the year. Instead of enjoying time with family, they work late into the night, hoping to take time off after Christmas.

Or, the mom who wants Christmas to be perfect for her family. She spends hours decorating, shopping, cooking, addressing Christmas cards, and planning the events that surround this special day, only to find she feels overwhelmed and under-water.

It’s even true in the ministry world. There are pastors planning Christmas Eve services and working hard to make sure volunteers are coordinated and everything is perfect for church members and guests. There’s a tendency to get so much on the plate that, in spite of being a minister, it’s difficult to keep the focus on the true reason for the season.

Amidst the family, friends, food, presents, parties, programs, and end of the year goals, this season provides more opportunities to feel overwhelmed.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas; Let your heart be light. - Hugh Martin

As the stress builds, the charge to “let your heart be light” can feel like an impossible task.

But let’s take a step back together and imagine an even more chaotic Christmas than the ones we experience today.

Imagine Mary on a donkey, traveling the five-day road from Nazareth to the small town of Bethlehem. She feels each crack and rock on the road beneath her and holds herself steady on the donkey at nine months pregnant. On the dusty road, her stomach churns as she considers the census ordered, and the taxes she and Joseph will have to pay before the birth of their baby. Finally, Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem only to find that there is nowhere to stay. Mary’s heart sinks, and the contractions start. The only place to go is a filthy stable, full of animals, dirt, feces, and hay. The stench is pungent, and setting is unfit to welcome the King of the universe, but nonetheless, his cries pierce the night.

Perhaps, Mary felt like she had failed Jesus already, as she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed him in a manger. To her, the first Christmas must have felt overwhelmingly chaotic.

To her, the first Christmas must have felt overwhelmingly chaotic.

So, what did it take for Mary to keep her heart light? I wonder if as she looked into Jesus’s little eyes, it caused her to stop, rest, and remember the grace that would save the world.

During this Christmas season, take some time to stop, rest, and remember. It doesn’t matter if everything is perfect. Take a deep breath and enjoy your friends, family, this season, and the meaning behind it.Merry Christmas. Let your heart be light.

Don’t get me wrong, these weeks have been fun, but they have also been full.

I’m guessing the same is true for you. Sure, the activities might be different. However, most of you have very full plates, packed calendars, and you might be overwhelmed.

What do we do when life feels crazy? If you’re like me, you look out into the future, envisioning a time when things will “settle down.”

Once my children get a little bit older.

When this crazy season at work passes.

After I can get this debt paid off.

If I can just close this piece of business.

When I’m not single anymore.After this quarter ends.

We look forward to that elusive moment when we will finally do ____________ (fill in the blank).

Looking toward the future isn’t a bad thing. In fact, I always encourage leaders to set goals and have a vision for the future.

At the same time, I can’t help but think that many of us are wishing our lives away.

As the great philosopher, Dr. Suess, once pondered:

“How did it get so late so soon?

It's night before it's afternoon.

December is here before it's June.

My goodness how the time has flewn.

How did it get so late so soon?”

‍

Yes, Christmas will be here before we know it.

And then the new year.

And then…. all of the other things.

My encouragement is for you is to find joy in today.

Right now.

In this moment.

In the middle of the mess and the chaos.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded us by saying:

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34

We know it’s true, but are we living like it’s true?

Take a moment today to take stock and find joy right where you are.

I'm sure the book is great but I'll be honest and say I haven't read it yet.

However, something else struck me during the interview. General McChrystal was asked about strategic decisions that could have been better. Rather than point out failures of other leaders, he instead said it's the job of a leader to make the best of decisions that have already been made.

It reminded me of something I learned about Jimmy Collins, the former president and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A.

Jimmy Collins used to say, “I’ve made a career not on making the right decisions, but on making the decisions I’ve made the right ones.”

This approach is simple, but insightful. So often people, especially leaders, fall into one of two camps in their approach to decision-making. One group is fixated on intuition, trusting their gut to make the best decision. While the other fully relies on data, analytics, and research to guide them. There is a lot of ink (and energy) centered on the debate between those two approaches. Don't get me wrong; leaders should focus on making the right decision.

However, the fixation with the decision making process, without a focus on executing whichever decision was made, puts too much emphasis on one side of the equation. When the decision works out for us, leaders can be prideful, believing it was their good sense that made them successful. Conversely, when a decision is less successful, one might be tempted to throw their hands in the air and lament the "poor decision".

The reality is that there might not be a right decision or a wrong decision. Or even if there is a correct decision, it shouldn't be the end of the conversation. Collins’s perspective of decision-making is refreshing. He’s saying that we may not know if we made the right decision, but once we’ve made it, we need to do whatever we can to make it work.

We may not know if we made the right decision, but once we’ve made it, we need to do whatever we can to make it work.

Let me be clear. The decisions we make are not inconsequential. It’s important that we use our insights and instincts to try to make good choices. But at the end of the day, what we do once we’ve made a decision is what matters most.

So the next time you’re faced with a big decision, here’s my advice to you: Once you’ve decided, see the decision through. Don’t waffle. Stick to it. Even if it gets tough, keep going. Push through adversity. Overcome obstacles. Don’t quit.

Making the right decisions is impactful in leadership, but making the decisions right is essential.

I believe it’s worth sharing again, with some additional thoughts for 2021.

We all have different feelings about Thanksgiving.

For some of you, Thanksgiving means you’re going home, and home is a good thing. You’ve moved away from your family, and you’re thankful for this opportunity to spend time with them.

For others, Thanksgiving means you’re going home, and home is a sad thing. You’ve tried to escape your family, and now, you’re forced to confront the frustrations that come with being with them for an extended period of time.

For some of you, Thanksgiving is a welcomed break from work before the craziness of the holiday season starts.

For others, it’s the official beginning of your busiest season of work, and you dread working overtime, dealing with rude customers, and constantly restocking items for people to consume.

For some of you, this is your first Thanksgiving with a new spouse or a new baby. Your family is growing, and it’s an opportunity to start new traditions and be thankful for the gifts you’ve been given.

For others, Thanksgiving is a stark reminder that you’re still single or that you don’t have a child in your arms. It’s a reminder of the things you don’t have that you’ve hoped for and prayed for your entire life.

For some of you, Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for your friend or family member who is coming home after serving in the military overseas.

For others, Thanksgiving reminds you how much you miss the one you’ve lost. The empty seat at the table is a harsh reminder of the space that person used to fill.

Regardless of what emotions move into our hearts and minds as we approach Thanksgiving,

I wonder what it would be like if we approached this Thanksgiving like it was our last.

‍Even though that one relative drives you crazy, this might be the last Thanksgiving before they receive a life-altering diagnosis.

If you knew this was the last Thanksgiving you were working in a retail environment, how would you approach this one differently?

Even though you’re ready to have someone by your side, this might be your last Thanksgiving with the freedom of a single person. How would you spend your time differently?

Even though you’re exhausted after Thanksgiving with small children—fixing plates, wiping messy faces, and skipping nap-times—one day, your kids will be grown, and things will look different. How can you enjoy this Thanksgiving in the midst of the chaos?

I am not naive enough to pretend that Thanksgiving, or the holiday season, is an enjoyable time for everybody. However, if we knew it was our last time with someone or that Thanksgiving would look different next year, would we stop and be a little more thankful?

The last 18 months have been some of the most challenging for many people. But here we are, as 2021 comes to a close, with another opportunity to take stock in where we are.

My hope for myself, and for you, is that we’ll focus on the bright spots and remember to stop to be thankful.

Here’s a sobering reminder: We don’t know what the future holds and we never know when it might be the last time.

‍“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – I Thessalonians 5:18, ESV  

but one of my favorites is our partnership with Chick-fil-A to create Chick-fil-A Leader Academy—a national high school leadership program that empowers and equips young people to make a difference in their local communities. Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is in more than 950 schools in 40+ states, and every year, we encourage all our students to participate in the “Big Thank You”.

Quick context: The “Big Thank You” is simple—first, we encourage students to find someone who has impacted their life. It may be a parent or a grandparent. It might be a teacher, or a pastor, or a coach. Then we ask students to thank that person, but to do it in a big way. What does big look like? Well, if you would normally text someone to thank them, call them instead. If you normally call them, write them a letter. If you would write them a letter, thank them in person. The point is to find a unique way to thank them and acknowledge their contribution to your life. We believe there is power in thanking the people that have helped you get where you are today.

I want to share a story with you about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and how his expression of gratitude changed his former teacher’s life. This excerpt comes from my book 8 Essential Exchanges: What You Have to Give Up to Go Up.

‍“A few years ago, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas gave a compelling and unusual speech at a graduation. At most commencement ceremonies the speeches focus on the students’ achievements and their futures. But Justice Thomas did the reverse. He told the crowd to remember that the reason they had gotten to this point in their lives was only because others had sacrificed for them. Then he told a story about his eighth grade teacher. Years after he left the school, he returned to his hometown and went to her room to express his gratitude for her profound impact on his life. He said that since she had taught more than 40 years, he assumed he was among a long list of students who had come back to thank her. She told him, ‘No, you’re the first.’

When that teacher was 95 years old, Justice Thomas went to visit her at a retirement center in New Jersey. In her small room that day, she pointed out the things that were to be given away upon her passing: a rosary, a prayer book, and some other items. Then she pointed to a picture of her with Justice Thomas that sat on her nightstand. She picked it up, and holding it she said, ‘This goes in my coffin with me.

”The initiative to simply thank an eighth grade teacher changed her perspective and, ultimately, her life. It confirmed her calling and reminded her of how important her life and work was to her students. In all of her 40 years of teaching, no other student had come back to thank her for her hard work and sacrifice as an educator.

How many of us have gratitude that we never express?

Here are two powerful quotes:

“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” – G.B. Stern, Famous Twentieth-Century Author and Playwright

John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

It was great for Justice Thomas to share his thankfulness. Furthermore, his greatest form of gratitude to his eighth grade teacher was expressed in the way he chose to live his life.

Do you have unexpressed gratitude? Are you living a life that’s worthy of the investment other people have made in you?

Each of us can do the Big Thank You.

When you finish reading this blog, stop, find one person you need to thank, and do it.

It could be a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a pastor, a mentor, a boss, or a friend. Find one person and pick up the phone, pick up a pen and piece of paper, or plan a trip to thank this person for their impact on your life.

After you thank them, consider your own actions and strive to live in such a way that shows you are truly thankful.

Isn't it interesting how we often overlook the small things? Many times it's those little things that are left unresolved and end up causing us great challenges.I'm reminded of a sermon I heard a few years ago from my friend Johnny Foster. His message was taken from the following verse, and its power packed with something we all need to hear.[highlight]Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom. – Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV[/highlight]

Alright, I know this seems out of place, but there's a message here, I promise. For context, Song of Solomon is a love story. In the verse above, there is certainly a message here that can help us with our relationships. However, I believe it can help us avoid other potential pitfalls, as well. This simple verse serves as a warning to heed the little things that can spoil our personal and professional endeavors.

This little warning interrupts a love story in its early days. Things seem blissful and exciting for the happy couple, but then we get this image of little foxes spoiling a vineyard. Foxes forage gardens for food, and often, they eat the plants before they ever reach full bloom. If a farmer is not careful to catch them or keep them away, these little animals can destroy an entire crop and have a huge impact on the farmer’s livelihood.

There is a reason that the verse uses the word “little” to describe the foxes here. Let me ask you a few questions to help put this in perspective.

1. Have you or anyone you know ever been bitten by a lion?
2. Have you or anyone you know ever been bitten by a dog?
3. Have you or anyone you know ever been bitten by a mosquito?

Most likely, you haven’t been bitten by a lion. (If you have, and you lived to tell about it, that’s a story I’d like to hear!) You may or may not have been bitten by a dog at some point in your life. But I’m willing to bet that you, and everyone else you know, has been bitten by a mosquito.Think about it—A lion is so large and apparently dangerous, that you’ll take extra precautions to avoid being attacked by one. On the other end of the spectrum, the mosquito is much smaller. However, the smaller mosquito, one that doesn’t pose as severe of a threat, is one that we sometimes struggle to protect ourselves from.Just like the little foxes in the vineyard and the pesky mosquitos at your backyard barbecue, it’s often the little things that pose the greatest threat to our personal and professional endeavors.[ctt template="2" link="ZGd3b" via="no" ]In everything we pursue, we need to be resolute in protecting the things most important to us. @KevinPaulScott[/ctt]In everything we pursue, we need to be resolute in protecting the things most important to us. To do this effectively, we must keep out the little things that threaten to destroy us.In the office, it’s keeping little disagreements from causing deeper divisions among your team.In our workday, it’s preventing seemingly small distractions from taking you away from the most important projects.In friendships, it’s preventing a busy season from turning into years of feeling disconnected.It’s easy to put up safeguards against the big, obvious threats to our endeavors and relationships, but most often, it’s the little things we overlook that sneak in and destroy us.Can you identify some small threats that could potentially hinder your personal and professional endeavors?Work to catch them before they cause major damage to you and those around you.