baskets of grace

Good morning! I have the Christmas music playing, Christmas lullabies to be precise, and the morning is still calm and quiet. I love this time. Sometimes it’s a little short-lived when people rise too early, but since people were awake in the middle of the night, maybe this quiet morning will last a little longer.

Last weekend, we took family Christmas photos and it could definitely have been worse. Thankfully there are lots of historic places around in middle Tenn., so we were able to find a new location to set up the old tripod and self-timer for the pictures! Since we were out, I was able to go to Hobby Lobby while everyone else sat in the car for a few minutes. The walk into the building by myself was, in itself, therapeutic.

I was looking specifically for a basket to hold some bows, clips, headbands, and some other hair accessories because we have so many little items hanging around. I have also taken most everything off the wall in the bedrooms so I can refresh upstairs. I have grown tired of looking at the same decor for so many months now. Decorating on the cheap sounds challenging and fun, so Hobby Lobby, here I come with arms wide open!

It was super busy, which really does not bother me! I am rather happy to see some people around! I had trouble getting basket down off the top shelf, so I asked an employee if there was someone who could help. She responded that she was busy with other people, it would be a few minutes, and let me know if I was not there when she returned, she would not go looking for me. I stood a bit stunned, not expecting that response, so I let her know I would stay and would not expect her to look for me.

A few minutes later, she returned and helped me get the basket and proceeded to help other shoppers. A few minutes after that, I felt a hand on my arm, and it was the employee who had helped me with the basket! She apologized and explained she realized she may have seemed rude and did not mean it that way! I almost hugged her, but realized I do not even know her! It really warmed my soul. We had a conversation about people everywhere decorating for Christmas early and shopping for their decor that day, making it busy. She apologized again and we went on with life, but that meant a lot!

Sometimes the Christmas season brings out the best in people and sometimes it brings out the worst. I want to encourage us to remember that we have no idea what peoples’ stories are or what they go home to at night. We can exercise grace and love because we receive God’s grace and love and we do not deserve it. There are very few feelings better than reconciliation, so let’s set our minds to embrace it. Let’s allow grace in our hearts to accept apologies and extend forgiveness. Families can often experience conflict, especially when gathered together for holidays! Let’s thank the Lord for His mercy for us and remember to give it to others. Love you all!

Now as you excel in everything - faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us - excel also in grace.

2 Corinthians 8:8

Love,

Charis