tis the season

tis the season
all is merry and bright.
deck the halls... and that jazz!

the twinkle lights are up
all around the house.
to be truthful, they haven't
been taken down!
last year, i liked the glow from
the twinkle lights so much i left them up!
yes, i have twinkle light all over my
kitchen, living room and even our
bedroom!
i love the glow and warmth they bring,
so they stayed up all year long.

but, the rest of the house is also
decorated now.
the tree is up and there are smatterings
of christmas everywhere.

one thing has been tugging at me though.
it has been resonating in my heart
and whispering in my ear-

the fact, that there are people around us
who are hurting.
hurting deep inside
where no one else can see.

they want no part of what christmas
brings them or reminds them.
no part at all.
they are hurting!!

according to an article in
better health--
Christmas is meant to be a happy and joyful time, this isn't how everyone feels at this time of the year. Christmas can be a stressful and depressing time for many people. 

Some people find that the Christmas spirit can be undermined by:

• Financial and time pressures
• Isolation
• Family tensions
• Separation and divorce
• Bereavement
• Becoming a step-family
• Reflecting on another year gone by.

the fact is, they are hurting.

so, yes...i get that not everyone wants
to deck the halls and sing, jingle bells!!

what can we do?

i have decided to really
challenge myself
to reach out in kindness.
to pay it forward.
shine my light.
show love.
show compassion

when i see someone, whether they
are a loved one, an acquaintance or
even strangers...
to ask myself:
what does this person need right now?

now, i don't profess to know what people need...
but hey, maybe a smile or a hug would remind them
they matter. their life matters!?

is a young mom looking frazzled
because her kiddos are acting up?
let her know, she is doing a great job.

maybe this person needs a few dollars?
a kind word? a sympathetic ear?
help out to the car with the groceries?

sometimes it's hard to know when
to step in and help
but, if it feels right...i plan to act on it.

just think what a difference you can
make on people you encounter during this
hectic season.
just think of the difference you can make
in your own life!



merry christmas
my sweet friends!

you are loved.
you matter.
be blessed.