Today was the first ride in a while where I just headed out with absolutely no idea where I would go or how long I would ride. The temperatures were warmer; low 60s, and it was an absolutely beautiful sunny day. I was able to wear my regular helmet instead of the full face and my vest instead of my coat. I felt freer physically and mentally.
At first I thought it was going to be a ride to just clear my head and have nothing to write about. I soon discovered God had other plans. I’ve mentioned before this is my most productive alone time with Him and today was no different in that respect. The longer I rode, the more it became clear that I would indeed be rambling when I got home. As the cool air blew on my face, it awakened many thoughts within me from recent and past conversations I’ve had as well as things I’ve read from others.
The holiday season is upon us and although it can be an exciting and happy time for many, it can also be a very difficult time for others.
Every one of us reacts differently to every circumstance we encounter. Why is that? I have 3 boys and I can tell you they are definitely all very different. 2 are very similar to each other in a lot of ways, but they’re still each unique in how they view life and how they approach similar circumstances.
I have always loved Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving seems to now get lost it seems, because there is so much focus on the commercial aspect of Christmas.
Growing up, both holidays were special because of spending time with family. I guess that’s why quality time together having a meal has remained important to me all throughout the year even now, more so than quantity time or material things.
It was a time when I knew we would all eat together and sit around talking and just enjoying each other. I still look forward to doing that and to giving to others simply to see them smile.
This isn’t the case for many other people though. I’ve had conversations lately with several different people that say they are more stressed, overly sensitive to things, and just plain dread the holidays. It’s a season that seems to cause depression and other health issues for many. That thought saddens me deeply, but I know it’s true. I’ve seen it year after year with more and more people.
During the holidays and throughout the year, there’s so much focus on material things that will supposedly make us happy and fulfilled. If that’s true, then why are so many people that are rich, monetarily, so miserable? We have lost sight of what really matters. Our relationships with others and most of all with God should be the most important aspects of our lives. Billy Graham turned 99 this month and there’s a station on Sirius radio that’s been playing his sermons from over the years. His messages are simple, we need Jesus. Without Him, there is no true happiness. Does that mean if you become a Christian everything is suddenly easy and pain free? Absolutely not. In fact Christians often suffer as much, if not more, than non-Christians. The difference is Christians know that through it all, they have a God who is with them every step of the way if they truly believe and invite Him in and that this life is only temporary. Eternity with Him is the ultimate goal.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
If you believe everything the media tells you, you would believe depression, mental health issues, addiction and many other health issues are just excuses people use. I don’t believe it. We are all wired differently and we all have different ways of thinking. It’s easy for us to look at someone with a disability and say it’s the way they are and it’s not their own doing. In my opinion, in many cases it’s the same for people who struggle from depression, addiction, anxiety, and so many other issues. There is proof that these are real and in many cases are related to chemical imbalances and other factors that are out of a person’s control on their own. Just as we need medications for physical pain we experience, there are legitimate needs for medications to help with these other conditions and a need for us to be more compassionate. Not everyone who is depressed, or anxious, or addicted, or biploar can just “get over it” and they don’t choose to be that way. For these people holidays are not a happy time. It means more crowds, more demands, more expectations, and therefore more frustration. It can stir up feelings of not being ” enough “, of not being “worthy “, not measuring up to what others think or expect. It’s no wonder there is so much negativity they feel.
I guess I personally have always seen Christmas as if through the eyes of a child. It’s a magical time to see them open their gifts and see how they look at all the beautiful lights and trees and decorations. I love looking at Christmas lights. My hubby and I used to just ride around looking at lights others put up. It was awesome quality time together. We haven’t been able to do it the past several years because he’s been on 2nd shift and I’ve missed it, but I am thankful for the memories of the years we did do it.
As the holidays get closer, I would like to challenge us all to be more compassionate and less judgemental. Be more willing to listen and to give quality time to others, rather than focusing on what material items to give. I’m sure most all of us have heard it’s better to give than receive. Let’s give of ourselves, not our money. Some of the best gifts are free; our time, a kind word, or simply a smile.
When you’re shopping and about to lose patience, stop and be thankful you’re able to shop, many cannot.
When you hear a screaming child that’s getting on your last nerve, stop and be thankful you can hear.
When you are driving and start to get angry with another driver who just cut you off, stop and be thankful you’re able to get out and go places. Maybe that person is rushing to see an injured or dying family member.
When you see someone who appears they may be homeless; instead of judging how or why they got that way, be thankful and say a prayer for them. Maybe even buy them a meal.
Remember during the holidays and every day, you never know what battles others are facing. Pray, don’t judge.
If each one of us does our part to try and be more understanding and more compassionate, just think how that could spread to others. Let compassion for others be your passion.
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Ramblings of a Christian Grandma Biker 