Just Too Fast For Me

We have now crossed the threshold of December. No snow and it’s fantastic. For some people, the race is on. Race from one store to another. From one sale to another. One good bargain to another. Not so with me. I have a strategy. I sit with the flyers every Friday morning and make a list. I could even use my G.P.S. and choose the shortest route or the one that would save the most time. Or. . . . This works well for me and it gives me lots of time to do what I enjoy most about shopping. That is, watching people.

Last week I had a wonderful time. I finished the flyers, the strategy and the purchases for the week, all in 72 minutes. With two hours to spare, I sat down and watched people going by. This time I watched to see who seemed to have no intention of slowing down for anyone, even if they got in their way. Didn’t take long to notice a good number of young men and women walking very quickly, very focused, looking as if they had a mission and everyone should get out of their way. Some were in groups and as you could imagine, they walked slower then anyone else. I think they do that hoping to be seen. But who am I to know. Their ages ranging from late teens to late twenties. Most walked the same, extremely fast. Out of nowhere came the realization that I used to walk like that. A man on a mission.

Just then a thirty something father came running down the aisle chasing a starry-eyed 18 months old runaway. So different from the mother following him, pulling a cantering three year old, who was just trying to stay on their feet.

My question to myself was, when in life do we slow down? How old do we need to be before we realize we are traveling through life too quickly? And missing so much along our journey. Like the mother, who, two short years ago, probably walked quickly but now sets her pace to her child’s. Maybe it’s when we notice we are more concerned about getting through life, instead of getting the most out of life. Some say they wish Christmas was today and others wish they had one more day to shop.

Where do you stand? Do you wish your life away or make the most of it? Life is wonderful, with every day ordained by God for us to enjoy. Make use of these days but make sure that each day is of use to you.
Something to think about
Robin

Christmas Kettle

Have you started yet? Do you make lists and work the list? Is it a plan or just random happening? You know what I’m talking about. Your, and my Christmas shopping. The crazy thing about the question is, I don’t think our minds are ready for it yet. After all - wait for it. We haven’t had snow yet! Yesterday, we put up some of the outside decorations just like a good number of people were doing in our neighbourhood. It was interesting to see geraniums and inpatients still in the garden. What a great fall.
The retailers don’t like the long fall too much but, hey, it’s great for those with SAD. But seriously, it doesn’t feel like “the season” just yet. Yes, all the stores are in full swing. A number of radio stations are throwing in the odd Christmas song or hymn. Not too many of the later I must add. The city put up the giant tree in the park and there have been a good number of Santa Parades where at least the youngsters, and those in the parade, didn’t turn to ice and freeze in the process.
For many of us, all the signs are there and it’s great to see them. For others it is a sad time. Some don’t have families to go to, no one to help them through the holiday. No person to buy for or receive from.
While out shopping on Saturday we saw our first kettle. And we contributed. A small contribution but an important one. All of our small contributions will add up to a wonder filled Christmas for many who were not expecting it. You see, I believe the bible when it tells us how we can give good gifts to those we love, but how greater to give to those we don’t know exist or don’t know we exist.
Let our first gift go to those who can’t give. Just like God, when He gave His Son to us, and we didn’t even know it. You see, we didn’t see it coming, but it did.
Something to think about
Rob