During this busy time of year we have the opportunity to be around more people than ever, preparing ourselves, our homes and our families for the holidays. Many times we walk past hundreds of folks a day in malls or even small local shops with laser focus, determined to check items off of our lists without a single thought for the individuals around us. I must confess, for most of my life, that was me. I would have, of course, said, “Merry Christmas” to the checkout clerk or drop some money in the Salvation Army bucket, but for the most part I never considered what was going on in the lives of those I passed by.
In the winter of 2016 I found myself at absolute rock bottom. The life that I had known since I was 17 years old was crashing down around me and I found myself unable to cope with the unsurmountable pain. For months getting out of bed became my goal for the day. I spent many hours a day alone in prayer, the Word, and looking forward to receiving my daily prayer call from a caring friend; those were my only life-lines besides the shoulder of one who stood by me. I remember one particular day standing in the check out line of a small drug store embarrassed that my face and eyes were red from my own tears. Quite honestly, my mind was so foggy that more than once I forgot what I was in that pharmacy to pick up. I don’t think anyone in the shop or parking lot even noticed me, let alone spoke to me. I remember wanting so much to connect with another human- being that it hurt, a kind word would have made a world of difference to me that day.
Two years have passed since those dark years of my life miraculously ended, but I remember exactly how alone I felt that day, even though I was in a room full of people. Since my experience I find that I don’t rush through my day the way I used to. I tend now to pause to greet strangers with a smile and a hello. I’ve stopped to chat with folks who appear alone or sad because I don’t know what they are going through and perhaps I could offer them the kindness that I had needed so desperately years ago. I continue to thank the hat wearing veterans for their service like I always have, but now I engage them in conversation and linger to listen to them tell their stories. On occasion I have stopped to pray with folks, despite the strange looks from the employees of B.J’s or Home Depot. I guess once you have been wounded deeply you become acutely aware of others in need of that simple kindness. The truth is, we never know if those we pass by everyday are at the end of their rope. We don’t know if our kind words may be the only ones that they hear all day. Our words and actions are more powerful than we know and they may just be enough for some to simply make it through another day.
I’ve heard many times that as a Christian we are to be Christ’s hands and feet to a hurting world. Perhaps we are to be His mouth and ears as well. This gift costs us nothing but a little bit of our time, but it could mean everything to someone who is suffering. So this holiday season remember it isn’t as important to give and receive a gift as it is to BE A GIFT. -Just Sayin’
As Christmas time is fast approaching I wanted to give away some of my hard cover books to children who have any manner of learning disability or any child who for any reason could simply use a bit of hope. The first 20 people who contact me on my website (on contact me or message me) with the child’s name and address, I will mail them free of charge a personalized copy of my book. Thank you all for your help!
