‘Tis The Season

In the last week or two, I have noticed that people are a lot more quick to honk at others on the road.  Now I know this is common in a place like Boston, where I lived briefly when I went to graduate school at Emerson College.  There it seemed like the light had barely turned green when multiple people were honking before the person at the head of the line had a chance to react to the light changing.

But I’m from Texas, where you might wait more than a minute to honk at someone after the light has changed, and then you just barely tap your horn to get that person’s attention.  You don’t blare at them.  Being rude and impatient can cause road rage and get you shot where I’m from, something that actually happened to a cousin of mine (but that’s a story for another time).  So I’m wondering, why all the impatience this time of year?  You know there’s going to be traffic.  You know the lines at the store are going to be long.  You know you’re going to have to wait.

Instead of getting irritated and upset, maybe we could try being generous and kind instead.  Like if you have a lot of items in your basket, and the person behind you just has one thing, let them go ahead of you.  Think about if you were in their position.  Wouldn’t you want someone to do the same for you?  You know that golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”  It will only add a couple of minutes to your wait, and you will have the satisfaction of having done something nice for another human being.

And what about instead of ignoring the next homeless person you see, give them a protein bar or a water bottle.  Just keep stuff like that with you at all times.  You will be surprised how often you have a chance to give these items to someone who will be truly grateful to have them.  Heck, I even recently gave a blanket to someone I saw shivering.  Instead of cash, which might just be feeding a habit that put that person in this position in the first place, try giving things that will truly help them.  Most will be very grateful.  (I have only had one time when someone with a sign rejected my offer of food because she wanted money instead.)

Giving to churches and charities is great, but I don’t find it quite as satisfying as helping a fellow human being in need. Also, consider giving your time.  You can always volunteer at a shelter, the library (read to some kids and see how you feel), by tutoring, and these are just a few of them many volunteering options available to you!  Helping someone else and sharing what I have are both things that make me very happy.  I also find that I become more grateful for what I have. 

‘Tis the season to be giving and loving.  And who knows, you might just like it enough that you continue this behavior all throughout the year.  Sometimes I think the reason we have been given this beautiful life is so that we have the opportunity to help others.  Try it; I think you’ll like it!

Joke:  I think people started decorating their houses at Christmas time in the hopes that their relatives wouldn’t recognize where they lived.

Quote:  “Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a frame of mind.”  – Valentine Davies

Advice:  Give others the gift of your love every day, and you will be happy.