Holiday Season
As we enter November, I can’t help but smile—it’s my favorite time of the year. Cooler weather, Friday night lights, Saturday football, deer season, bonfires (once the burn ban is lifted, of course), and a good bowl of chili. These are just a few of the things that make this season so special to me.
It’s also the time of year when we begin to ease into the holidays. And with that comes a mix of emotions. For some, the holidays bring joy—time with family, good food, and familiar traditions. For others, it’s not quite so simple. Family can be complicated.
Maybe you have the mom who tends to overstep. Maybe your dad only wants to talk about politics. And then there’s that unpredictable uncle who keeps everyone on edge. Or maybe this year the holidays don’t look the same as they used to. Someone you love isn’t at the table anymore. Maybe there’s been a divorce, a strained relationship, or a new face in the family picture that you’re not quite sure how to feel about.
My own family looks different these days, and while some of that change has been wonderful, other parts are painful. Every gathering brings its own unique mix of joy and tension. Some of you might even feel your heart rate rise just thinking about it. Family is one of God’s greatest blessings— but it can also be one of the hardest parts of life.
So how do we gather around the table and truly love our families with the love of Christ? There are entire books written on that subject, but since I only get about 600 words here, let me offer just one simple idea that might help this season: Big ears. Little mouths. Let me explain. When emotions are high, judgment is low.
You’ve probably felt that before. When we’re anxious, hurt, or frustrated, we’re not at our best. Our words come out faster and sharper. Our patience wears thin. That’s why it’s so important to slow down, spend time with God, and let Him prepare our hearts to love others well.
James 1:19–20 gives us timeless wisdom for moments like these: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to become angry.
That’s the biblical rhythm of healthy communication— big ears and little mouths.
The truth is, most of our relationship challenges come from doing the opposite: big emotions, big mouths, and little ears. We react instead of reflecting. We speak before we understand. But when we do it God’s way—when we listen deeply—we create space for Him to work.
Think of it this way: God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listening well doesn’t mean you agree with everything being said, but it does mean you value the person saying it. It means you can respond with grace instead of reacting out of frustration.
Maybe this holiday season, the best gift you can give your family isn’t the food you are bringing or a present under the tree. Maybe it’s your calm, loving presence. Maybe it’s your patient listening. Maybe it’s your gentle tone in a tense conversation.
So, before you gather with family, take a few moments to prepare your heart. Pray for peace. Ask God to help you listen more, speak less, and love like Jesus. Because when we do that, even the most difficult family moments can become places where God’s love is seen, felt, and shared.
Big ears. Little mouths. It’s a simple practice—but one that can make room for God to do something beautiful this holiday season.