Tis the season to be jolly. Especially around our families and neighbours. How is it that I love this time of year, yet I become a little stressed, then a little snappy and then a little bit crazy?
Scripture says ‘Love thy neighbour’, yet somedays I struggle to be generous and kind, net alone love. What a stretch!
I live in a little 1970’s beach flat. It is old and a little frayed at the edges, but full of character and delight. Most of the year we have the whole apartment complex to ourselves, because all the other apartments are holiday flats.
At this time of year though, the beach calls people home.
Living in such tight quarters often makes generosity stretched. I usually like to make cookies, buy some wine and chat with my neighbours at this time of year.
However I have found myself rolling my eyes a little more of late. Maybe its because I am home more now, as a stay at home mum, and have been allowing the little things get to me or maybe its just been an unusual season of little random encounters.
No matter the cause, I am trying to change my heart in this space and start to think generous thoughts once again.
The way we think about others, influences our conversations and impacts our actions.
I want this Christmas to be a generous one. Loving those who are my neighbours, acquaintances, family and friends. Starting with my thoughts, I want to be a light in my neighbourhood rather than one full of negativity and stress.
Its beginning to look like Christmas and I want to live a generous life influencing others. Even those I only see once a year. Even when they start to annoy me a little.
Honesty Watch.
Generosity is not simple sometimes.