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| "HOLIDAY HUMPS AND HURDLES" |
It's that time of the year when we are dashing to and fro, running willy nilly from pillar to post trying to find the perfect gifts for friends and family.
Ahh, the family. For those of you who have the perfect family like "THE WALTON'S", this post is not for you.You have my permission to stop reading and go back to your Candy Cane Cocoa and Christmas cookies.
For the rest of us, we are preparing for "Humps and Hurdles."
You know what I'm talking about.
The awkward family conversations where you can't really talk about anything because someone gets upset and offended. The problems, pain and past hurts we carry around like humps on a camels back. The hurdles we have to jump over in order to avoid arguments and keep the peace so war doesn't break out at the dinner table.
Real families have real issues. You might not want to admit it ,but it's true. If there is a perfect family out there I haven't met them. Every family has something. That family problem you are trying to hide or avoid is nothing new and you are not the only one who is dealing with it.
Family problems may include: jealousy, strife, quarrels, sibling rivalry, addiction, divorce, blended families,financial burdens, adultery, lying , cheating , stealing, greed, pride, pornography, unforgiveness, abuse, anger, depression, eating disorders, unconfessed sin,chronic illness, rejection.
With all the different personality and temperament types plus all the different ideals and opinions it can get a little sticky and uncomfortable. People get anxious, hurt feelings, upset, emotional and can lose tempers. We say things we don't mean and we mean things we don't say.
The Hot Cross Buns at the dinner table can quickly become The Hot Tossed Buns!
How many have ever witnessed or been part of a food, word tossing or worse at a Holiday celebration?
Things can get ugly and ugly grows. Ugly drives a wedge between people and families. Ugly becomes Humps and Hurdles that separate families. One word, one action that separates us from the ones we love for weeks, months , years or a lifetime.
Time we can never get back. Time the devil steals from us. Loved ones the devil steals from us. Joy the devil steals from us.
I know there are families out there that will not see their loved ones this Christmas because they got upset about something and stopped talking. They got offended and refuse to forgive. They are stubborn or prideful and won't let go.
I know because I've been there, on both the giving and receiving side.
What a waste of time and life.
Please stop, get over the Humps and Hurdles and JUST LOVE THEM!
Love them for who they are. Forgive them for what they've done. Ask them to forgive you.
Even if you don't think you are wrong. Even if they hurt you, JUST LOVE THEM!
This doesn't mean you are condoning or agreeing with them it means you are refusing to live in bondage and pain any longer. It means you choose to walk in Love and Liberty. It means you are taking back what the enemy has stolen, your loved ones, your joy, your peace.
Pick up the phone and call them.
Send them a text or E-mail.
Write them a letter.
Take the high road. Before it's too late. This may be your last chance.
Grandparents, parents, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, grandkids, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, step-family, in-laws and out-laws, co-workers, friends or foe.
JUST LOVE THEM!
God will take care of the rest.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32
"Make allowances for each others faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
1 Corinthians 13:7
PLEASE STOP! GET OVER HOLIDAY HUMPS AND HURDLES.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LOVE ! JUST LOVE THEM!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord and Share the Good News!
Donna Selma Lind
