When I was a kid, Christmas was all about presents and that magical feeling waking up and knowing Santa had been there and that maybe…just maybe…the pony you were dreaming of would be under the tree waiting for you. (It never was just FYI…the closest we got was a bird one year…you can’t ride a parakeet, Mother!!!)
As I got older, the holiday was more and more about finding the perfect gift for someone special, being with family, and of course celebrating the birth of Christ.
We think of the holidays as a time of cheer, a time for celebrating traditions, giving to others, and eating our weight in fudge, but if you watch just about any Christmas movie, you’ll see the overwhelming theme of forgiveness. Rudolph forgives the reindeer who called him names, Scott Calvin forgives his ex-wife and her new, sweater-wearing husband for not believing he’s Santa, and the entire town of Whoville forgives the Grinch for stealing their roast beast and packages.
I’ve thought a lot about forgiveness lately. I’ve decided that it’s not for the faint of heart. What I mean is…it isn’t always as easy to do as Kevin makes it look when his mom comes home after leaving him alone to defend his house from two bumbling bad guys.
I have to confess that I am excellent at holding grudges and don’t find it easy to forgive. Or maybe it’s not holding grudges exactly…I am extremely bad at letting go of things that have hurt me. I hold on to hurt and anger wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too long…just like that pair of jeans that no longer fit but I refuse to add to the donation box. And what do I get out of holding on to all of that resentment? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
As we are looking into the face of a brand new year…I encourage you to try and let go of at least a little of the past…believe me…I get that it’s often one little baby step at a time. So start with something small…like how about the social media comments made by complete strangers about our LEO’s…or have you had them made thoughtlessly by family or friends? Maybe they’ve never asked for forgiveness and have no intention of doing so…but I promise you…harboring that bitterness in your own heart can eventually make you into someone you never intended to be. If you can’t or think you aren’t ready to let go of the anger and resentment for them…do it for yourself.
In the middle of this busy time, take a moment or two to reflect on the past year. I pray that you have the courage and strength to let go of the hurts you may be holding on to.
My family will celebrate Christmas a day late this year and I’m sure many of you will open gifts a few days early or maybe a few days after the 25th. Whenever Santa manages to show up…I pray you have a very special and blessed holiday.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him…” Romans 15:13
l Sandee l