Checking the List Twice

Crowded malls,

Theaters crammed with Star Wars fans,

Worn out clerks working double time,

Where's the "Merry Christmas" after you buy something?

I decided to ask the sales lady.

"We're not allowed to say Merry Christmas only happy holidays now."

Oh well, back to the house.

Have you noticed, driving anywhere during the holidays takes twice the time.

And I forgot to mail the Christmas cards!

Oh my, the line at the post office stretches out the door.

At home ... I unwrap the roaster ...

I need to cook two hams.

Oh-no!

The roaster I just bought is cracked at the bottom!

Darn, darn and darn it.

I gotta take it back to Macy's.

Here I go ... back to the [bleeping] store!

Standing in loooong return lines is rain pummeling.

Then the race begins to other shops ...

Gift card, or present?

What should I buy for her?  For him?

I think I want to quit ... Christmas;

Until I suddenly stop,

At the center of the bustling Food Court.

Have you ever just watched people?

We get so busy, so occupied, with fleeting time that's never enough.

Hearing an accordion band playing Silent Night,

I'm teary eyed.

Until I spot the Christmas tree,

Brightly lit, with sparkling ornaments of every shimmering dazzling color, 

And Santa handing candy canes to eager happy children.

I plop down in an empty seat,

And recall what Christmas is all about....

The holidays can be pressure filled, but God can be our comfort.  He gives us the white snow-set ground and icicle frosted trees to relieve the stress of the day.  We only need to sit, watch, and listen to His still voice of peace and love in this holiday season.

"You will go before the Lord to prepare his way by spreading the knowledge among his people that deliverance comes by having sins forgiven through our God’s most tender mercy, which causes the Sunrise to visit us from Heaven" (Luke 1:76-78).

Bye for today, and have a God inspired day.

J.P.