Where Christ was born in Bethlehem
As the year draws to an end, we find ourselves in the grips of the holiday season. Gathering with family and friends tends to be the popular thing to do. However, as Mark Twain says:
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect."
I do my personal best to remember this every time I feel as though I start falling into crowds. I do it not because it's trendy and I want to be different from everyone else, but because I simply am not complacent with the blind acceptance of rules set arbitrarily by society. With that in mind, allow me to digress.
The holiday season SHOULD be about gathering with friends and family and celebrating whatever you wish to celebrate. There are a few things though I feel we often forget.
· Understanding and Compassion
Let’s face it, it’s hard to have patience during the holidays. Everyone’s trying to get somewhere; families and friends want to visit. When a situation presents itself, don’t let your plans influence your emotions. Be kind to one another. ‘Tis the season to be merry. Even if you don’t have any material wealth to share with others this season, you still have understanding and compassion. You can’t find it in any store or website. It’s free, priceless, and it pays forward. Share it!
· Consumerism and Humility
If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of the richest people in the world. You may not know it, but you have a lot going for you. You may not be able to go out and buy twelve iPads as you had hoped, but remember that there are billions of others who are getting by with much less. At least you have a home to sleep in, food to eat, and someone to love.
Please remember these things when dealing with others not just during the holidays, but every day. We may be in a recession, but the mere fact you’re reading this means you have more to be grateful for than most.
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to pause and reflect."
I do my personal best to remember this every time I feel as though I start falling into crowds. I do it not because it's trendy and I want to be different from everyone else, but because I simply am not complacent with the blind acceptance of rules set arbitrarily by society. With that in mind, allow me to digress.
The holiday season SHOULD be about gathering with friends and family and celebrating whatever you wish to celebrate. There are a few things though I feel we often forget.
· Understanding and Compassion
Let’s face it, it’s hard to have patience during the holidays. Everyone’s trying to get somewhere; families and friends want to visit. When a situation presents itself, don’t let your plans influence your emotions. Be kind to one another. ‘Tis the season to be merry. Even if you don’t have any material wealth to share with others this season, you still have understanding and compassion. You can’t find it in any store or website. It’s free, priceless, and it pays forward. Share it!
· Consumerism and Humility
If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of the richest people in the world. You may not know it, but you have a lot going for you. You may not be able to go out and buy twelve iPads as you had hoped, but remember that there are billions of others who are getting by with much less. At least you have a home to sleep in, food to eat, and someone to love.
Please remember these things when dealing with others not just during the holidays, but every day. We may be in a recession, but the mere fact you’re reading this means you have more to be grateful for than most.
RSS Feed
