I’m not sure how we’ve reached the Christmas Season
already but it’s definitely upon us! And, as we all know, sometimes the
Christmas Season brings out the best in us and sometimes – well, not so much!
There is so much beauty that Christmas offers; yet Christmas also seems to stir
the resistance in us, possibly spurred on by our expectations. But, I think
Christmas is meant to be about Joy!
As generations come and go, we often enjoy recapturing our
childhood memories of Christmas. Once we grow into adulthood, however, a lot of
changes take place as the next generation brings in new faces to the family gatherings.
What a stir that creates! This means we put up our defenses or we decide we’re not
going to like that person or we’re frustrated that the status quo has been
changed! Meanwhile, we all gather together with our own secret wishes
intact; yet, we sit smiling while a slow burn is activated inside. Oh, what Joy!
So, maybe Christmas, with all its twinkling lights is
really here to shine a bright spotlight on the not-so-nice moments of being
human. Maybe it’s a time for us to seek the peace and serenity of the season
and maybe it’s a time to do something about it, too. After all, we can really
only control our thoughts, our actions and our beliefs, so we might as well
start there. Trying to control someone else or manipulate them into a different
way of being will only create friction and separate us. Possibly, this
Christmas, take the time to really get in touch with your feelings, watch what
comes up, how much you feel left out or feel frustrated or feel out of control
or disappointed. Then do something about it! Paying attention to your feelings
brings you to the present and offers an opportunity to let go of all those
negative thoughts. Just recognizing those thoughts means you’re accepting
exactly where you’re at! It doesn’t mean you have to like this experience; but
now that you’ve accepted where you’re at, you can decide to change your
thoughts. It’s the season to go deeper – somewhere down deep, there is love and
joy. Every moment we spend separated from those gifts of grace are wasted
moments.
Let go of the resistance to what is – instead, find the
lightness, find the depth, find the peace and serenity within – make it a plan
for this Christmas to “not go there” when it comes to trivial grievances within
family gatherings. Reach deeply to see that person you don’t like so well from
your soul to his/her soul. Instead, go where we are all one. Find that
connection. Find God’s Presence – find Joy!
