This year Paul and I took on a project that has allowed us to serve people every night throughout the month of December. In this capacity, we have been humbled to see the true spirit of Christmas displayed in numerous ways. Whether it is in the awe-struck look in the eyes of the small children as they see the incredible display of Christmas lights for the first time, or the way the couples stroll along side by side with their heads tilted toward each other and their smiles of love project through their eyes, and nearly everyone has this great sense of awareness of the magic of the season.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could feel this sense of magic everyday of your life? Wouldn’t it be awesome to be able to rise above the daily grind and disappointments that continue to leave you looking down instead of up?
The real magic of Christmas isn’t in the lights, the gifts or the food. The real magic is in the “giving!”
What would life be like if each day we:
- “give” thanks for all of the joys and gifts we received the day before.
- “give” attention to the world as a child does.
- “give” repentance—Any repentance that does not hurt, does not heal. Repentance is needed for wrong-doing. Apologies trivialize a wrong that should not be trifled with.
- “give” up our arrogance, judgment and prejudice.
- “give” out compliments sincerely.
- “give” in when you know you don’t always have to be right.
- “give” way to another direction.
- “give” freely of your time, talents and treasures.
- “give” kindly any advice or constructive response.
- “give” comfort even when you don’t feel like it.
- “give” praise.
- “give” mercy as you would like it given to you.
- “give” sweetly.
- “give” tenderly.
- “give” love unconditionally.
- “give” a listening ear.
