Bear
“Let’s go … shopping!”
With Valentine’s Day upon us (and having passed by the time this scheduled post is on the site), my daughters and I set out to find cute gifts for our friends and family. We didn’t realize everyone had the same idea today, too!
Walking into the store, we noticed the long lines but still decided to join in on the fun. It seemed like no matter which section of the store we were shopping in, everyone soon made their way there, too! We would shift to another section, and the crowd shifted with us once more.
What were we thinking venturing out in this?!
In one section of the store, two ladies invaded my personal space by getting way too close to me, as if they were trying to climb into my back pocket. Then, one lady moved to my right and reached over my head for an item on the shelf directly above me without even so much as an “Excuse me.” It was as if I was invisible. When the opportunity presented itself, we moved further down and finally on to another aisle to get away from them. We decided to go to an “off season” section of the store thinking surely it wouldn’t be crowded there. Everything was going great until another woman started coming straight for me. I moved to my left to clear the aisle since she was walking toward me on my right side. As she passed me, she started mumbling something about, “People … ” Shortly thereafter, my daughters joined me on the aisle and told me the same woman brushed shoulders with my youngest daughter as she passed. That is WAY too close for comfort, so we decided to leave the store.
Where are people’s manners these days? While this scenario can certainly play out in another town, it seems commonplace here. We were reminded once again why we drive an hour away to shop. The stores are better stocked, neat and orderly, and the people offer more respect and common consideration than here in our small town.
It was almost more than my frazzled nerves could bear! It’s too people-y out there.
And so we made our way back to the vehicle, ordered dessert, and headed home. Although the shopping experience left a lot to be desired, I still had a fun day with my girls.
Useful
We all have times when we question our worth and value. The struggle is real due to people of the world seemingly reminding us daily how unimportant we are in the grand scheme of things. We wonder if we are truly useful to those around us. Fight those thoughts as you meditate on Psalm 139:14, which states: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
When thoughts like these invade, it’s hard to get out of our head. We can be our own worst enemies feeding these thoughts, and it’s hard to stop the vicious cycle. That is why it is so important to recognize when this starts happening and combat it with the word of God.
We wonder what has happened to using the golden rule when interacting with others? Remember the whole, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you?” That doesn’t seem to apply now because people would not mistreat others if this was the case. They wouldn’t want to be mistreated themselves.
Let’s meditate on Ephesians 4:32, New American Standard Bible, which states: Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
When you can choose to be anything in the world … choose to be kind!
Even if people don’t talk about it, there are battles being fought within. There are things going on with us that others might not guess because we choose not to speak about them. Or, maybe they don’t know exactly what it is and can’t quite pinpoint it, but they see us act in a different manner or handle a situation out of character than what we usually would. We are troubled, and only God truly knows what is at the heart of the situation. We can be useful by just praying for someone. We don’t always have to know WHY a person is behaving this way or what is going on with them in their lives. All we need to know by their subtle clues in their change of behavior is that we need to pray for them. We can extend kindness, offer our prayers to Heaven on their behalf, and choose to be forgiving if they happen to say or do something in their turmoil that overflows on to us unknowingly and unintentionally.
Unique
Just tonight I read a post Hoda Kotb, of the Today Show, shared regarding her friend of 27 years, Karen. The day Karen’s husband was diagnosed with cancer, her doctor friend suggested she buy a candle and light it. This odd suggestion was to allow the body to go where the mind takes it, according to this doctor. In focusing on the flame as if it was the power of the human spirit, determination, love and will, she was to harness the strength. Further, she was instructed to watch as the wax dripped away, thinking of this as the cancer cells disappearing.
What a unique way to look at things!
I was so moved when reading that! Karen’s husband outlived his prognosis by five years, which is amazing in itself!
I believe a person’s outlook and attitude when they learn of a diagnosis like this makes all the difference!
My friend, Mary Sue, is also proof of this. When she learned she had breast cancer, she never skipped a beat although it certainly wasn’t the news she had hoped to receive.. She went right on with her positive attitude, just as she always had, and she conquered and persevered! While I’m sure she had her moments, she never let us see her cry or get down about her diagnosis, surgery, and treatment. She shaved her head prior to chemo while she poked fun and even laughed about the shape of her head. Completing treatments, she rang the bell, and kept that smile on her face throughout the entire ordeal. There aren’t too many people that can choose to remain positive in the face of something that could take them out of this world.
I’m happy to report my straw hat wearing, sunflower loving, Marsh Tacky riding friend, Mary Sue, is still going strong today at 77 years old. She is an amazing woman, and I am proud to have had the chance to get to know her and love her!
