This is the time of year when everyone starts being nicer. For the past three weeks or so, I've noticed that most people are smiling more, saying hi or good morning, and just generally being nicer.
Most people are relatively happy around the holidays. If there are children in your life it can be a wonderful time. But sometimes people get grumpy over the holidays, or depressed. If you've lost someone, or if you're alone or feel like you're alone even when you're around people, it can be a hard time of year.
This was going to be a post about the man who invented the yellow smiley face back in 1964. He was paid $45 for his graphics work and that was all the money he ever made from it. But as I was thinking about smiles, I was reminded of the saying "if someone needs a smile, give them one of yours".
There are many people who are alone or lonely this time of year. No one should ever feel unloved because God loves all people and desires that all people be saved. But not everyone knows or believes that. I consider it part of my purpose to let people know that.
If you know someone who is alone or lonely, reach out to them. Tell them someone cares about them because it's true. It could be you, but if it's not, it's someone else and most definitely it's Jesus. If you celebrate his birthday, you know this.
If YOU are lonely, find a church or other place of worship and stop in this week. People will be friendly, but if they're not immediately welcoming, go anyway because God will be glad you did.
I also came across a quote from Mother Theresa this month that applies here. I'll paraphrase because I can't locate it right this second --
"If you have the choice to be mean or nice, be nice. If you have the choice to be good or bad, to return insult for insult or to forgive insult, whatever, always choose to be good or forgive. It's not about what's between you and the other person. It was never about you and the other person. It's about what's between you and God."
So be good. Be kind. Be nice. Be happy. You are loved by the Father in heaven.
Sew on! And Merry Christmas.
