There are some issues that are weighing heavy on me this holiday season that I feel I need to address..
The Christmas season should be a time of cheerful giving filled with the nearness and love of close family and friends. This season should be the embodiment of us seeing the wonderful blessings around us and celebrating. Christ was born on Christmas day and thus began the greatest story of all time...
Looking back on seasons past, I always felt a overwhelming excitement. I used to love going out to shop for presents for my family and friends, donating more to people in need, and seeing the first snowfall innocently cover the dirty ground.. This year is different. Now I fear going out to the stores due to violent acts from fellow man, giving help to those who are only there to take advantage, and worry that the snow will storm to the point of hazardous conditions.
I am sure I am not the only one to feeling this way..
Both national and local news have given great cause of concern in the past couple of weeks and days. Also just being out and about seeing peoples actions have been unsettling.
I am a closing shift employee. I have worked many holiday seasons, and I do not recall one in which I have stressed this bad. Every time I turn on the news or log on to social media I see local news stories of armed robberies and murders.. one of the most recent stories involves a local twenty-one year old closing shift employee of a pizza shop being robbed and shot. He did everything the robber told him to do and was still shot. He passed away at the hospital a little while after and the person who did the tragic act is still unidentified.
These acts should not happen ever.. but this holiday season is tending to bring out the worst in people instead of the best.
I have seen more outrageous acts performed by people around me lately then I ever have in my entire life. What is it about this wonderful season that is bringing out the worst in people? Maybe it is the world itself..
There are so many examples I can state here of what is going wrong in the world right now. But instead I am going to turn it around and challenge you to make a difference: simply treat others the way you want to be treated.. pray continuously for everyone in the world.. bite your tongue and hold your anger.. always try to put a smile on your face.. LOVE OFTEN AND ALWAYS.
Are these small things going to drastically change the world? Probably not. But if everyone would actually try it would definitely be a better place right now..
Everyone have a blessed holiday season.. really count your blessings this year and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
