Can We Talk About Christmas? Relationships and Christmas Part Two

Relationships and Christmas Part Two

My Christmas intention is to focus on people and relationships. Let’s continue with part two (see part one: https://wp.me/p4RztF-Vz):

~See the unseen, the lonely, the hurting:

“QUIETLY  turn Your eyes  to me and be compassionate toward me because I am lonely and persecuted.” Psalm 25:16 The Voice

It was my third  trip to Walmart in two  days. I picked the slowest line (as usual), with a customer ahead of me needing help using her credit card. Lots of help. The checker was visibly irritated as she snarled at the credit card woman. My turn. As I loaded my groceries on the conveyor, I said hello and asked the checker how she was doing. She didn’t answer, so I tried again. Still no answer. When it came time to pay, I repeatedly tried to start a conversation and she  declined. It became a game to me, as I  determined to get a word out of her. I lost the game. I gotta hand it to her, she was good.

The holidays can really stink for customer service workers (especially those  who have to deal with irritating folks like me). However, usually, a kind word or compliment may add a dose of pleasantness to their day. So many customer service workers are assaulted with rudeness and spend hours on their aching feet. I try to put myself in their shoes and I can’t stand that long. Bless them.

A smile for a harried Mama with tots in her cart or an elderly man shopping solo. A greeting to the Good Samaritan ringing the bell. It requires so little of me.

Then, there are those in the midst of deep pain, people in our circles  who are hurting and lonely and hating Christmas.

For example, I have seven friends in the process of divorce. Seven! Not a Merry and Bright season for these dear ones and their children. I make it a priority to reach out and pray daily for them.

I must slow down and intentionally remember these dears ones.

Lord remind me. Turn my eyes to the unseen, lonely and discouraged this day. This Advent season.

~Stop and appreciate my dear ones:

“There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth…”     

Ecc. 3:1 The Message

When my son Micah was about four (he is 13 now), I had a frenetic day of darting around crossing Christmas tasks off my list. All day long, he asked me to play with him, and I kept putting him off. At the end of the day, I tucked him and his brother Jojo in. As we three cuddled together reading  Christmas books, Micah smiled at me, took my hand in his chubby one and said, “This is the kind of mommy I like!”

My challenge (and after all these years, it is still not easy) is to give my people the gift of time.

Oh how quickly seasons pass. This day, this Christmas, this moment will never come again.

Therefore, I choose this kind of mommy, friend, wife, and daughter.

I want to enjoy my family, appreciating where we are now. Who we are now. My dad has been ill and I am so grateful for another Christmas with him. Two of my boys are young adults and the other two teenagers, all growing up instantly, with lively lives.

Lord, cause me to stop and cherish these moments with my family that will never come again. Our family is still a family. My sons will never be these ages again. My dad is still here. Slow me. Remind me. 

Yes, I love people. Therefore, I choose to show it this season in practical ways and through my prayers.

AND PS- if I’m to make people a priority, I must invest in myself. Planning in time to rest, wise eating and exercise are necessary.

Beloved relationships, beloved people, God’s precious ones. This is my Christmas intention.

Reflection:

1. Who in your circle of influence is hurting this Christmas time?
2. How will you fortify yourself this Advent season, and in turn, invest in others?