Over the past weekend, I have began attempting various Christmas craft projects to pair with some of the gifts year to hopefully add a more personal feel. Which really translates into: I got way to excited and have about 20 projects lined up, at least 5 started, 4 weeks til Christmas, 2 projects nearly finished, and 1 very "in-over-her-head" me. The whole experience has been a lot of fun, but I have spent way more time researching ideas, watching how-to videos, and finding supplies than I have actually making gifts.
Earlier today I stopped in a craft supply store to pick up some Christmas fabric. As I was waiting at the fabric counter for the clerk to finish attending to the person in front of me, I overheard the customer in front of me being speaking to the clerk in a very degrading way about something that wasn't her fault. I tried to get the customer's attention off of the poor clerk, but this person continued. The other customer finally walked away, but the clerk was frustrated and near tears. After a few minutes of light-hearted conversation the clerk seemed to be feeling better. I was very thankful for the gift of being there, but I don't always seize the opportunities I'm given. Sometimes, I am the grumpy one. We all have grumpy days and I am sure that in any other situation that customer is a very nice person. Through all of this, I was reminded once again that our words... my words, are so very important and that they really do make an impact especially at Christmas.
Christmas is such an incredible time. There are so many extra opportunities this season to give. The entire community has been pooling their resources and creativity together to help their neighbors. We fill our days with trying to find the perfect gifts, make the perfect dinners, and rushing from one gathering to another all while balancing our daily responsibilities. It is very easy to let all of those good intentions stress us to the point that we lose our cool and unintentionally hurt those around us.
As a on-going kindness mission for us both, let's remember to wrap our words in love. Use Christmas as an opportunity to be intentional with your words. Find at least 5 people each day to speak kindly to, and make at least 3 of those a stranger. Merry Christmas :)
"Kindness in words creates confidence; kindness in thinking creates
profoundness; kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu
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