December 6, 2007
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Conversation Peace
For the last several years I have found it increasingly difficult to get myself into the spirit of Christmas. I do not enjoy the hustle and busel of shopping. Add to that the trip to the mall, a wild journey full of drivers with road rage trying desperately to beat all the other shoppers to the store (after all the retailers have promised that if you don't get there quick you will be $#*+ out of luck cause everything will be gone and if it's not gone you will not receive that extra 5% discount)! I am tired of asking what people want for christmas and hearing "Oh I don't know". I am tired of hearing "What are you going to get so and so for Christmas they are so hard to buy for because they have everthing they want"...HELLO... whats wrong with this picture? Please don't get me wrong I really don't mind giving presents, it's just that in this world of plenty why can't Christmas be a time of rejoicing in our faith, our health and our families, the rest of the year is chock full of opportunities for "presents". It would do my heart good to be able to take every dime I spend on those who have all they need and give it to those who don't!.....
Sorry I digress....back to my Christmas Spirit
The first Wednesday in December all the Churches in our town (there is a church on every corner it seems) have traditionally come togeather for a candelight service in the square. Everyone was given a candle to light and we would sing caroles and hymns togeather, someone from each church would come togeather and light a Unitiy Candle and the service would close with prayer by one of the Pastors. This event has always started my spirit soaring. The square would be full of folks full of spirit and it is contagious.
This year some bright soul figured they'd change things up. Yesterday only two churches were there. The first a predominantly white church had a duo that sang for them "Sisters in Song" and their Pastor had a short sermon. The second a predominantly black church had a quartet that sang (a cappella) "New Hope Mens Chorus" and their Pastor also gave a sermon (only not so short). I was a little disappointed with this change (after all I had my candle in my coat pocket and everything) but since I am not the one that has to organise this event it was fine with me. I found a place where I could see and hear the singers and preachers by a huge old oak tree that also sheltered me from the cold wind. Ordinarily this program (albeit different that what I expected) would have helped me out in the spirit department, but, I could not even listen to the singing or the preaching for people coming up and wanting to fill me in on the latest town gossip. I tried ignoring them, I tried giving them a brief nod or smile and turning my attention back to the program, I'm here to tell you I tried everything......I missed the whole thing....really...all I remember was the Amen at the end of the closing prayer, I didn't even get to sing along to the only song they invited the congregation to join in on (which was Silent Night - my favorite)...
ARGGGG.........What a bunch of rude asses!....after the service I took a walk thru the park, it was very cold and very dark. Usually the city has a million lights strung through the park but not this year and I thought it was rather sad looking, I ended up at the spring and helped myself to a drink using my cupped hand as a dipper. The water was warm and it tasted heavenly....and I sat there for awhile and started to really enjoy the dark and quiet and the taste of the water and the stars shinning brightly and I started to feel a little of the spirit creeping in. That my friends is all I want for Christmas...that spirit that warms the soul and pushes to the background the hustle, busel and rudeness that abounds this time of year.
All for one, one for all
There's no way we'll reach our greatest heights
Unless we heed the call
Me for you, you for me
There's no chance of world salvation
Less the conversation's peaceStevie Wonder
hey........sorry for the rant but I feel better now.....................ILYM
(p.s.............maybe I would like a telescope too)
Comments (11)
I'm sorry people can be such jerks.
It sounds wonderful, but too bad they changed it this year.
I am not in the spirit thi year either... unfortunatly we don't even have decorations up... I am thinking this wekend maye I'll do that and try to get us in the mood.
I'm not big on the present thing this year either... I haven't given any thought to what I'm going to get anyone but the kids, and I'm not sure I am going to... money is tight, maybe hugs and kisses all around.
You don't hav a telescope already? Gotta get you one! You of all people I know need one of those!
It seems Christmas gets more hectic each year....
And, it also seems to add new types of problems as well...
I hate dealing with shopping traffic...
The one thing I do enjoy is, Holiday Music.
Ranting is good every now and then, I hope you feel better
Some times we just have to get it out. Judi
Why do they want to change a good thing? I'm sorry that you did not get to enjoy the service. People can be so self absorbed and often show up at one of these events just to catch up on all the town gossip. Its just a shame!!!
If your looking for some good music to sing along to just visit my site. I have a few good ones up.
I so hope Santa is good to you this year and brings that telescope!!! I know it would bring you hours of fun!!!
Hugs, ~Candy Oh and don't forget, someone in North Carolina loves you!!!
:yes::yes::yes: Amen, Amen, Amen!!!!! I couldn't have said it better myself. We are in total agreement about Christmas!! Finally........somebody who understand how I feel. The rude and pushy people...the lack of what Christmas is really all about! AMEN!:goodjob:
Dang, I wish I was there to hug you! I love you very much. Get happy, okay?
My mind's eye sings with the image of a holly tree bustling with crested red cardinals! As always, thanks for stopping.
With time passing, I want to gather folks in for camaraderie rather than for exchanging gifts. To reminisce a bit, to laugh, perhaps shed a tear and of course to be silly. We can nurture hope and love to be reborn in our actions and dealings every day. That seems to be closer to what Christmas is about than the compulsory gift giving we have bought into.
Peace and patient perseverance, dear heart. Hope y'all are getting some of the moisture you need so much.
that totally sucks. I would fire off a letter to the editor. what were they thinking?? :wha:
I hope you feel better now that you got it off your chest. my way of dealing with rude and pushy people at malls is to wear antlers. really. the flashier and more obnoxious the better. It's just hard to be rude to a lady wearing antlers. try it. :goodjob:
mornin glory! :sunny:
:sunny: Morning, my favorite Marsha!
Rant away, I can understand why you felt that way...gee, don't we go to church to block out all the everyday things and meditate on things that fill our soul??? Good grief!
I always try to remember that people are being rude and in a bad mood because they are experiencing stress too...that helps somehow...I'm a social worker, thus, I tend to think therapeutically!
Love ya! Have a great day, and I LOVE Kate's idea...wear antlers today!
Lowie
I hope you feel better about things today. Thanks for stopping by and for the hugs. Hugs for you!!!:)