It’s the Christmas holiday season. Yay!!!
But it is also an emotional time for many. Holidays can amplify our feelings. Depending on “where you are at,” it can be a joyful time. For some, it is a time of loneliness or feelings of grief.
With the recent loss of my brother, this is sadder than usual for my Christmas season. Add in I have family members who are struggling and I have to pace myself a little differently.
When people are going through stress in their family or are concerned about their finances, it makes it a hard time. And there are always the unmet expectations that create additional stress.
A lot of people expect everyone to be happy, but that is not the case. Many are wearing a smile to cover their pain. And we can say it a thousand times, but we never know what another may be going through.
Add in the reality of seasonal depression and anxiety, and we must understand that mental health is under attack.
This is a time to work with the power of kindness on our side. A smile, a kind word, and really listening to others change everything. Kindness costs nothing but makes a huge difference in another’s life.
Let us make a supreme effort to be kind. As I said, it costs us nothing.
Besides smiling and being kind, what else can we do?
Let’s think about being a blessing in tangible ways.
Offer help to others. Maybe it is running an errand or sharing a meal. And you can always send an encouraging message to someone.
’Tis the season to be a volunteer or support a local charity. (I lead two, and I know this is always a time when we expend more energy and finances.)
And please be patient with others, whether it be in stores or traffic. Extend grace and kindness to others.
It is a season to give strong consideration to shifting the focus from “What do I get?” to “How can I give?” Our gratitude and generosity will create a ripple of hope wherever we go. And isn’t that a great “job”? Being a hope dealer?
Faith and Perspective
I don’t expect people to believe as I do. And I certainly appreciate the diversity of expressions. For those who follow Christ, the season has a deeper meaning. In my world of faith it causes me to recognize love, hope, and peace. It allows me to be at peace when others aren’t. To share words of encouragement as I come in contact with people. And absolutely, to let my actions speak louder than my words.
I ask myself each day, that I might find a way to make someone’s life a a bit brighter.
This season, let us:
Find a way to make someone’s life lighter today.
Remember that your kindness to another may be the very miracle someone cried out for.
My heartfelt prayer and wish is that this season be a little brighter, a tad more peaceful, and that you would see that somewhere cares.
This year, because of circumstances, my tree may not get decorated, nor may I get out to see as many lighting displays as in past years, and I certainly will miss a number of folks. But I can make sure that I am kind to everyone I come in contact with.
Have a super holiday and Christmas season.
