During the holiday season, millions of Americans (115.2 million cited by AAA, to be exact) will travel from home to visit loved ones and celebrate together. In theory, this sounds like fun, even potentially joyous, but when your last name is ‘Griswold’, traveling tends to come with some interesting baggage. Yes, my maiden name is Griswold, as in the famous National Lampoon film: Christmas Vacation, or in my family, we called it “The Griswold Family Christmas.” In the film, Clark Griswold and his family experienced all of the hysterical ups and downs of visiting family members, an extremely large Christmas tree, and a house so adorned with Christmas lights that it caused a power surge that created a city-wide blackout.
My family was in many ways exactly like that of the famous Griswold’s, and it was always a bit of a spectacle. As I grew older, I sought out different experiences during the holiday season, thinking perhaps I would find more peace elsewhere. It would always start hopeful and optimistic, but once I approached the ticket counter for whichever airline I was flying, without fail, I would be greeted with a “Wow! What a time to be a Griswold!” and subsequently, my flights would get delayed, canceled, grounded mid-flight, or in a few fun cases would hit turbulence so violently that the masks would be ejected from the ceiling (I would not recommend this experience). Needless to say, even with a new last name, I found that the holiday season never really lost that “Griswold flare.”
Ultimately, I have to give credit to my husband, who has patiently taught me the new practice of finding peace wherever my feet are planted. It turns out that if you seek peace, peace will find you. I once expected chaos, frenzy, and anxiety, but now I have found that my practice is to find comfort in the discomfort and remember Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” John 14:27.
Wherever my feet are planted, there is always peace to be found, whether it’s in the smiles of the people at the ticket counter, the warm cup of coffee while doing your devotional in the morning, or good conversation with those visiting your home for the holidays. Peace is a gift, and one I know God wishes for each of us to enjoy this season.
Kelsey Paul, Downtown LifeLight Worship Leader and Arts Administrator for Arts @ St Luke’s
