Spiritual Sundays

Waiting in line can be hazardous to your health.... or your testimony!
It's the middle of November and the checkouts in the department stores are getting heavier every day as shoppers try to get their Christmas shopping done. You're getting sneezed on and stepped on. Sometimes you almost get run over as shoppers in their hurry, brush past you and almost knock you off your feet.

Every year, I promise myself I'm going to get an early start and as usual, I break that promise. Believe it or not, I start thinking about Christmas in July or August and really concentrating on it by September, yet I always manage to put off the shopping. Why is that? Well, one reason is because I'm decorating my house in my head! Then I head for Michael's and other stores where one might find beautiful ornaments and other festive frivolities. I so enjoy the decorating part. It is the one time of year when I can decorate to my heart's content with all the glitz and glitter I want.
But I find the closer we get to December, the more obnoxious people become.
Where has the Christmas spirit gone?

Years ago, especially in small towns, people were feeling pretty jovial as the holidays approached. Today, you don't want to be in a mother's way if she is after that last dolly on the shelf!
I still recall with shame, the behavior of parents back in the early eighties as they tried to buy Cabbage Patch dolls for their little girls. I'm glad I had boys!
I always feel sorry for the cashier at the check out. They are the ones who have to stand for hours and make sure everything is computed correctly into the machine. They are the ones who have to put up with the complaints and smart remarks from the customers this time of year. They can't wait for the rush to be over and they most definitely are not feeling the joy of the season!

So, I guess what I'm leading up to is this: During this 'most wonderful time of the year', do you offer the flustered cashier at the checkout a smile or a kind word after standing in line too long, or do you frown and complain like everyone else? A smile goes a long way. It only takes a second to smile and that just might make someones day!
Hebrews 12:1 tells us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Our witnesses are both seen and unseen.

MY PRAYER- "Help us dear Lord to be a light in our world and offer those around us a smile even when there is chaos all around us! Help us to be gentle, loving, and kind even when others aren't. Help us to represent You well; after all, it is because of Your coming to us that we celebrate in the first place. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen."

WORDS TO PONDER
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

May the Lord bless you & make you a blessing. ~ Sandi