On being different.

     The holidays tend to bring out an alternate persona in most people.  Not just in attitude but also in physically different ways.  We eat too much, sometimes talk too much, and actually seem to care in a more genuine way.  Not that any is bad; as they may not be.  I struggle with the holidays from several different perspectives.  Not just Christmas and New Years Day but also many of the other holidays as well seem to bring out aspects of my thinking and believing.  Unfortunately, many of these changes bring out the worst in me instead of the best in me.  All the bright packages and laughing people do not change the feelings inside of me.  It's not that I don't like the holidays.  Rather, it's what the PTSD does inside of me in regards to the holidays.  I try to focus mostly on the real reason for the celebrating of Christmas, Jesus.  Doing so I'm able to step out of my world and into His.  That focus alone makes the holidays great. 
     The holidays tend to bring out a "time out" in our lives for about a month.  People seem to be on their best behavior having been warned by well intentioned others this would be nice.  So, nice, we become.  Everyone who knows us know that we are being fake.  That's strong language but none the less is true.  For many holding our true feelings and thoughts prisoner for those few days a year is an overwhelming task.  There are many times where we fail to hold in that bad choice of words even if they are true.  The greater the dilemma in our lives the greater the task of acting the way people would like us to act.  Kids aren't too good at holding in their opinion, request, or thoughts.  They tend to be honest and determined to get what they want.  When all else fails the kids always know that Grandma or Grandpa will let them have whatever they want.  Adults also need at least an unspoken permission to say or do things that would be wrong the rest of the year. 
     The holidays tend to bring out charity, giving or blessings.  Some do this well while others fail miserably in doing so.  Charity is giving to someone something without thinking of anything in return.  So, we allow some to bless us even though we haven't been able to bless them by us.  No one seems to be seriously offended when this happens.  Charity is necessary all year long and not just at Christmas.  Charity should be a permanent program installed and hard wired into who we are.  Some have better programs than others.  Some seem to have nothing to give when we focus on the physical giving.  Others struggle choosing gifts that are a statement from us to them without offending or over blessing.  Competition is not something charity is about.  Yet, the holidays can be competitive in the area of gift giving.  Many people try to out do others in their circle of friends and relatives.  We are truly a people who act more human that godly. 
     We, as God's people, need to acknowledge we are not in charge of our lives.  We, as God's people, need to understand that our life can be offensive to others.  We, as God's people need to be reminded that charity can only come from us if we have accepted the charity God gives his people.  The greatest gift we can give or receive is the love of God.  Knowing what love looks like is the beginning of our life with Christ.  Receiving this love from God makes us able to pass real love onto those who are a part of our world.  Finally, giving glory to God for all we give or receive cements inside of our thinking and feeling that our lives are a gift from God.  Out of this humbleness comes a witness of God.  When we become consistent in taking the time to give God's gift, Jesus, to others, their world can be changed and a blessing to God and others.
     Happy New Year...now get busy for 2015!