The holiday season often arrives wrapped in expectations—traditions to uphold, gatherings to organize, and memories we hope to recreate. But life is never static. Children grow. Circumstances shift. Loved ones move across states… or even across oceans. In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter explores how embracing flexibility can transform our holiday experience and keep our hearts centered on Christ. 

As a self-described recovering “control freak,” Monica shares how letting go of rigid expectations opened her hands to receive the grace God is offering right now. Drawing from personal stories—including celebrating Christmas early with her adult son before he travels abroad—and insights from Hope for the Journey guests, she reminds us that the true heart of Christmas remains unchanged: Christ has come. When we release the pressure for perfection, we make space for peace, connection, and gratitude. Flexibility becomes a spiritual posture, a way of loving others well, and a reminder that God’s joy isn’t fragile. From store-bought dinners to unexpected schedule shifts, the imperfect moments often become the sacred ones.

Hope for the Holidays - HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080×1350)

The holiday season often arrives wrapped in expectations&mdash;traditions to uphold, gatherings to organize, and memories we hope to recreate. But life is never static. Children grow. Circumstances shift. Loved ones move across states&hellip; or even across oceans. In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter explores how embracing flexibility can transform our holiday experience and keep our hearts centered on Christ.&nbsp;
As a self-described recovering &ldquo;control freak,&rdquo; Monica shares how letting go of rigid expectations opened her hands to receive the grace God is offering right now. Drawing from personal stories&mdash;including celebrating Christmas early with her adult son before he travels abroad&mdash;and insights from Hope for the Journey guests, she reminds us that the true heart of Christmas remains unchanged: Christ has come. When we release the pressure for perfection, we make space for peace, connection, and gratitude.&nbsp;Flexibility becomes a spiritual posture, a way of loving others well, and a reminder that God&rsquo;s joy isn&rsquo;t fragile. From store-bought dinners to unexpected schedule shifts, the imperfect moments often become the sacred ones.
Hope for the Holidays - <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57051b21d51cd4379e4ea36a/t/69376a806ad7eb690a718731/1765239424647/HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png">HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080&times;1350)</a>

Welcome to Hope for the Journey – Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.

Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.

Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it’s never too late to start anew.

Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life’s journey with faith and hope.

FREE RESOURCES:

Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at https://monicaschmelter.com/resources

Welcome to Hope for the Journey &ndash; Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.
Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God&rsquo;s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.
Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it&rsquo;s never too late to start anew.
Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life&rsquo;s journey with faith and hope.
FREE RESOURCES:
Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at <a href="https://monicaschmelter.com/resources">https://monicaschmelter.com/resources</a>

Welcome to Hope for the Journey with Monica Schmelter– Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.  Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.

Hope For The Journey with Monica Schmelter

Hope For The Journey

Holidays -Unwrapping Grace: How flexibility can show others the love of Christ

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/5a526692-87d5-4481-88f0-b3ad01734bc6/transcript

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