While I was out running errands last week, Christmas decorations were visible and carols could be heard. They were reminders of what a joyous time of year it is.
Yet, anything but joy was evident as I interacted with the cashiers in different stores. In fact, several of them were irritated and unfriendly.
During these interactions, I realized that I had a choice. Either I was going to react or respond. My gut wanted to react by being irritated and unfriendly, too. I mean, what did I do to deserve such rude behavior?
But each morning when I pray, I ask the Lord for there to be more of Him and less of me as I go about my day. At that moment, the Holy Spirit prompted me to respond. In spite of how I was treated, I gently asked each cashier how they were doing. Some were surprised and said they appreciated someone asking. And some others continued in their moodiness.
Regardless of how each one spoke, I was reminded that this season is more than decorations and music. It’s about love as God sent His Son, who is the greatest Gift of all, to come to earth and give us life and hope.
As a child of God, I am called to shine His light to ALL those around me, not just to those who are kind to me. God’s Word reminds us: “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world … By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14 & 16 MSG)
You may be thinking, yeah but you don’t know this difficult person I’m dealing with. You’re right, I don’t. However, I do know what the Bible says:
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” (Luke 6:35 ESV)
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” (Ephesians 4:2 ESV)
I was inspired by this quote by Ruth Carter Stapleton: “Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” That’s just what I needed to be reminded of as I go off to my next errand.
~Joyce
Photo Credit: Max Beck on Unsplash
