Love on Black Friday and other days

It’s difficult to get inspired today.  I’m plagued by post-Thanksgiving, carbohydrate and sugar overload and all I want is my bed.  My youngest daughter and I did make it to the mall after we slept in little.  We strolled around at a leisurely pace, picked up a few things and had a nice peaceful lunch together.

On Black Friday, the mall, traffic and people will test your patience (and other spiritual fruits like love and kindness) so you must be prepared to practice forbearance in the face of provocation.  I recommend you do not even attempt this if you are tired or hungry or in any kind of pain.  After all, we must make a difference out there, right?

Some of the shoppers amaze me.  Really, is there anything out there that you need so desperately that you will mow over an elderly person to beat them to it?  Are we in so much of a hurry that we can’t stop to hold the door for someone laden down with bags or struggling with toddlers?  What about the people who are so overbearing and condescending to the cashiers?  I know that some of them should be glad to have a job and not spend their time texting while they should be helping you.   And yes, some of them are rude and incompetent.  However, I want to be part of the solution, not the problem.  Kudos to all of you who already practice these things.  A little kindness really does go a long way.

My prayer is that I will exude the true spirit of the holidays this year in every thing I say and do; that the money I drop into the Salvation army bucket or the offering plate at church will be given joyfully with a heart of thanks that I have it to share; that I will remember those less fortunate and do all I can to help; that sharing and giving will overcome my selfishness, and that while I am out and about in the midst  of all of it, I will show love and kindness, always (whether they deserve it or not)  – God Bless!