Reflection for Dec. 18th

I really believe that each of us walk around like icebergs, with the greatest and deepest parts of ourselves under the surface, not seen by most others. We are God’s own children and we should treat each other with much more respect and dignity…especially during this time of waiting for the Savior! Heavenly Father, help us to remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children. Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t make change correctly is a worried 19 year old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester. Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares. Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our Christmas shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back this week, this will be the last year they go shopping together. Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you have given us, the greatest gift is love. Open our hearts no to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love. I’LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU!