Holiday Season thoughts

. . . or


Trying to remember our past.


I posted this several years ago but with our hectic lifestyles it still rings true today so I thought I would repost this as we make our way through the darkness here in Alaska and embark on this Holiday Season.


With this being that time of year that people tend to stress and wrap themselves into the frenzy of the holiday season, perhaps at this time of year we all need a moment to remember patience and good will.


Even though Icewind is hesitant to put religious messages before you, the sentiments below are worthy, whether you pray to God or seek your own inner guidance.


Oh Lord, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.


Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.


Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.


Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they probably will go shopping together . . .


Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear but also our enemies if for no other reason than to open their minds to possible other ways or attitudes. Open our hearts not to just those that are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.



Lord, I try to do these things but sometimes I fail, please help me remember to be more patient and give others a chance.


Help me remember the past and to live each day with kindness and respect for my fellow man.


Happy Holidays Everyone!


Ice

Comments

JeanMac said…
Terrific words - thanks.
8:58 PM
Icewind said…
May the winter winds blow the Aurora your way to brighten this holiday season.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2756/auroraborealis2rn0.jpg

Ice
10:55 PM
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