“Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” --Romans 1:7
This
persistent respiratory infection has slowed me down quite a bit. You’d think
that would’ve put me in a tizzy – who has time to be sick in December?? But I
don’t have the energy for a tizzy and so, odd as it may seem, this slowdown has
been a blessing.
Our Christmas
tree still isn’t up but I know we’ll get to it eventually. In the meantime, the
other decorations around the house are making me smile. I appreciate online
shopping like never before! On the few occasions when I have gone shopping, I’ve
had to go at an unhurried pace and in small blocks of time. This isn’t COVID but
I keep a safe distance and wear a mask to keep my germs to myself. Instead of
thinking of ALL I have yet to do, I try to focus on the ‘now’ and thank God for
the one person I’m shopping for in that moment. Yes, I’m sad that I might miss
some festivities in the next week or so; I can’t deny that. I also can’t dwell
on it. Instead, I’m taking care of myself and thanking God for what I can do. Overall, I feel a great sense of
appreciation and peace. What a blessing.
When we slow
down, act mindfully, and thank God for His gifts and people around us, we invite
His peace to settle over us. We let His peace find us.
Try this: As
Christmas gets closer, especially this last weekend before Christmas Eve, resist
the urge to get caught up in the frenzy that seems to infect most of us and
spread like a nasty virus. Before you pull out of your driveway, pray a short
prayer; keep it simple, like, “Lord, keep me kind and patient.” When you’re out
shopping, slow your walking and breathing as you make your way through the
store. Then – and this is the fun part
-- see how many people you can make smile. Make it a game and keep count! When
standing in line, remember that no one likes to wait and everyone else has
other things to do, too. So, instead of joining the others who are sighing and
impatiently shifting packages around, catch someone’s eye and smile. Practice
friendly small talk. A little effort on your part could create a minor epidemic
of joy and peace to the other shoppers.
Yes, you have
much to do; it won’t get done any quicker if you’re grumbling the whole time.
So, slow
down and let peace find you. You just might spread it to others – and even get
them to smile back.
“Lord, bless me with Your peace as I prepare
for Christmas.”
Thank you for
reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell
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I love the Smile Game, thanks for the reminder. This is a lovely reflection, Thanks Gina.
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