My Christmas Mantle
Oh the joys of Christmas are many but the hustle and bustle that we get ourselves wrapped up in are exploding before our very eyes; exploding before our family’s very eyes!
I’m not sure when, if ever, in my life that Christmas was an easy and gentle time. I fully admit that I go for the all or nothing approach, decorating every corner of the house, baking dozens of cookies, writing cards to hundreds, singing in concerts, ringing the Salvation Army bell, hosting parties… You get it – over the top.
This year I have discovered , more than any past year, that I need to stop and listen. I need to stop what I’m doing, look at the people around me, and ask one simple question. “How are you doing this time of year?” Oh I’ve asked the question many times before but the” stop and listen” part were not in my consciousness.
The answers to my question have been rather humbling. My friend whose family is far away is struggling without them. A church friend is coping with the loss of her husband. Two friends lost sons to cancer this year. Someone else rejoicing that her son is making a remarkable comeback after jail and rehab. I didn’t even know her son was in jail and rehab. I have not been listening. Heck, I haven’t even been asking.
I’ve always prayed for those who don’t have joy in Christmas, who find it difficult to attend church services with all the happy songs and people. This year, my prayers are different. They are focused. I’ve asked the question. I’ve listened. I’ve talked, called, and shown up.
Won’t you take some time to ask the question? Won’t you take some time to stop and listen? To act.
We can all take back Christmas in our own little way.
PS How are you doing this time of year?
Positively Shelle 
I’ve enjoying your blogs. It’s nice to get some good food for one’s mind…
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Thanks for stopping in a reading Jean! It’s a good feeling for me to share some food!! 🙂
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Thank you for the reminder that it’s the people not all of the “stuff” that is important!! God bless you Shelle!!
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It’s great to be back! It took a while to pare down my posts and the direction for the blog. PS Share it with your friends!
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I have not heard from you and your blog in a long time. Thank you! I love it
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Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful. Such a great thought.
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I’m hoping this thought will catch on to more of us so we can love on those who really need it. PS Thanks for visiting my blog!
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I love it! From: Positively Shelle To: durksrus@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, December 22, 2014 9:40 PM Subject: [New post] Take Back Christmas #yiv2690190961 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv2690190961 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv2690190961 a.yiv2690190961primaryactionlink:link, #yiv2690190961 a.yiv2690190961primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv2690190961 a.yiv2690190961primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv2690190961 a.yiv2690190961primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv2690190961 WordPress.com | Positively Shelle posted: “Oh the joys of Christmas are many but the hustle and bustle that we get ourselves wrapped up in are exploding before our very eyes; exploding before our family’s very eyes!I’m not sure when, if ever, in my life that Christmas was a easy and gentle time.” | |
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And I love you!
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Nice. Tough to ask the question when things are going well for us. But good for you!
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It’s often just tough to remember to ask the question when things are going well. PS Thanks for reading!
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