I’m a patient person most of the time, but I have moments where I fail miserably and want it NOW. I’m a considerate person most of the time, but there have been “ME” phases. Today I got this email from my friend Kharma and it struck me, because its so obvious, but when I’m impatient and self centered these thoughts are the farthest from my mind. The words below don’t have to be a prayer, but simply a reminder that we all could slow down and think every so often about the people around us we will probably never know.
Perhaps the following will help us all be mindful during this season of rushing, running, wishing, granting, giving, receiving, and stressing. It’s almost December, I can hardly believe it, but be mindful, enjoy the moments of respite and just breath!
Heavenly Father, Help us 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 (who really ought to get a job!) is subject to what 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 shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week,
this will be the last year that they go shopping together
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not 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.
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