*These blog posts are weekly letters to RLC from my 'wandering in the wild.' Thoughts and stories I have come across from my interactions with and for you. Love you very much.
I recently read a story that should have been labeled "brutal honesty." 🤣
Here it goes...
One Christmas my husband put an assortment of beauty products in my stocking. I tried one of the facial masks and was about to wash it off when my eight-year-old son, Callum, walked in. I explained to him that it was a present from his dad and it would make me beautiful.
He patiently waited by my side as I rinsed and patted my face dry.
“Well, what do you think?” I asked.
“Oh, Mom, it didn’t work!” Callum replied.
Isn't it amazing how mean kids can be?! 🤣 It's only amazing because kids say things adults are thinking. They just haven't learned how hurtful the truth can be. I heard someone say recently, "They haven't learned the value of a well-placed lie." 🤣 Perhaps we adults can learn the danger of a "well-placed lie." But I digress.
As adults, we have learned not every true thing should be said. And, even if it should be said, timing is also very important.
Here is more truth that is not fun but true... the holiday season is supposed to be a time of fun, joy, celebrations, parties, presents, and grateful hearts. However, many people all around us are not looking forward to the holiday season. For many, it is a season filled with anger, hurt feelings, loneliness, insecurity, loss, grief, and fear. More people are struggling than we realize. That is not a fun thing to talk about, but it is true.
What do we do to get the most out of this holiday season?
Here are three ideas:
1. Focus on what you focus on. 🧐
Be careful where you give your time and attention. Don't let your mind wander toward what you don't have. Be thankful for what you do have. The most content people I know don't have the most. They see everything they have as a blessing. Perspective is everything.
2- Share your blessings with others. 🥰
One of the best ways to find gratitude is to be a blessing to someone else. Give it a try. The best way is to do something for somone who cannot pay you back. Leave a ridiculous tip for the server. Bag leaves for your ailing, elderly neighbor. Leave a surprise gift for your co-worker. The more creative the better.
3- Spend time with Jesus every day. 🙏
I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow. Take a deep breath and ask Jesus to walk with you today.
The inconvenient truth is the holidays can be a difficult season for many people for many reasons. The amazing truth is you do not have to walk through them alone.
