Don't be a Grinch

I've been pretty disappointed lately. Disappointed in how people treat each other. If you're in your middle-late twenties or over, you have to grow up. It amazes me, really, how some just never learned what it means to be nice, kind, caring...and they seem to totally have missed the mark on learning when to keep their mouths shut. It's like this day and age we live in is all about speaking out and letting your voice be heard and screw everyone else - heck, I have a blog don't I? But for real, I can't help but wonder when some will truly understand when to grow up and show up, treat others with respect (not just in romantic relationships), and act like dang adults.

But it's sad, you know? It's sad that people can be continually manipulative, self seeking, totally consumed by their own life that they don't even notice others around them, don't care who they hurt, and certainly don't attribute any of their behavior to being "bad".  Even in their efforts to become "good" they only become more vain and self centered, acting like the world owes them something.

When I see those people doing what they "do", and unfortunately they are all over the place, all I can hope is that I'm not right there with them, wrapped up in my own self. I think of all the reasons they may be like that... maybe they are self conscious, maybe they grew up thinking success meant doing whatever it takes, maybe they are the ones hurting and don't know how to deal or ask for help, maybe success to them is much more than it is to me, maybe they really have no idea they are hurtful, maybe they are so stuck in their ways due to self validation that they are blind to reality... It's really too bad... because when I think of those people, I think of how many more friends they could have if they trusted more, how much more content they would be if they would stop comparing themselves to everyone else and stop trying to get ahead, how much happier they would be if they weren't always trying to win an argument, and how much more pleasant they would be to be around if they didn't think the world owed them something.

When going through the motions of the holiday season try to remember that this life is only temporary. (I'm reminding myself, too!) Who needs presents when God gave us the Fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Show love, find joy, have peace, and show patience, be kind and good - not just at Christmas time, be faithful to the One who made you, gentle towards those around you and exhibit self control of all worldly things. Be aware of those described above, love them but don't let them consume you or bring you down. Be genuinely interested in others, invest in your relationships and foster new ones, open your home and your heart. You'd be amazed at how good you feel and how content you are with the life you have.

And remember, don't be a Grinch, because one day you may run out of time for your heart to grow.