In our world today it is a shame in many ways of what we have become. It is a constant rush to get everything done with in a certain amount of time, to have our children participate in all these activities, to have the latest technology, to keep on going until we are exhausted. The news isn't much better because often there will be stories on murder, attacks, rape, politicians getting into trouble, and it continues on.
This is to be the time of the year that we are to stop for a moment and spend time with our family & friends. But like in the end it is only a moment. We still rush to get all the dishes done in time, to get ready to go shopping on Black Friday, to get the Christmas cards done, the presents done and shipped, prepare for Christmas and New Years, etc....
We do need to actually stop and take the time not just a moment but longer. We need to enjoy the time we do have to spend with friends and family because we don't know how long they will be with us or we will be with them. We need to stop worrying about having all the dishes made and sit down to talk to them. We need to stop worrying about people getting the Christmas cards in time, instead write a letter after the New Year starts. We need to stop worrying about the presents for every Tom, Dick and Harriet because they don't often need them.
What we really need to do is be thankful for what we have instead. That our friends and family are trying to spend time with and appreciate it. That many friends have become part of our family. That we need to be grateful that we have a roof over our heads when many others don't. That we have food to put on the table several times a day when some only get one meal a day. That we have people to share it with and others don't right now. That our loved ones are protecting this country in many ways. We can also be thankful for God because he is the one that walks besides us as we are on our path, guides the right way and sometimes he is the one that carries us without us realizing it.
So we can take what we have and not only appreciate it but give it back as well. Just one act of kindness however small each day. Whether it is opening a door for someone coming out, paying a toll for the person behind you, buying their coffee, being polite to the waiter or waitress more than usual by calling them by their name, little things can make such a difference not only in our life but theirs as well. So this year be thankful and grateful and pay it forward.
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