Perspective and Priorities
For years, my next door family and I have enjoyed a running October joke. We realize at some point near the end of October the Hallmark Christmas movie season begins, ushering in the season with warmth and good feelings but also with the same-old-same old predictable plotlines. The 2021 Hallmark season began this past weekend. Ratings show millions usually tune in for the onset of this iconic movie season.
With the coming of the Christmas movie season also comes another season: the busy season of shopping lists and shopping, decorating and wrapping, planning elaborate meals and so much more. If not mindful, this can rapidly become a season stressed out by lists, drained from more than usual tasks, and wearied with trying to create a Hallmark perfect holiday. Commercial television, print media, store decorations all feed into this desire to make the holidays movie perfect. Often being commercially busy erases the original reason for the season whereby Xmas totally replaces Christmas.
Now there is nothing wrong with wanting to create an atmosphere of peace, joy, beauty, harmony, and happiness for the holidays. It is all in the perspective. Indeed, there can be exciting expectations that come with the holidays. It can be exhilarating seeing the lights and decorations; listening to Christmas carols; and planning special activities with and for family, friends, and others!
Like most televised Christmas movies, Norman Rockwell (some may need to google him) painted warm and sentimental Christmas images. They are idyllic but dramatically different from 21st Century living. Though idyllic, they are not always reflective of reality. Life’s ills do not cease due to a certain date on the calendar. Real life still happens. That is why in midst of this or any season we must maintain a realistic perspective and keep our priorities in order.
To this end, some blogs will be old and new holiday messages. Some may bring smiles, others may inspire creative ideas, and a few may make you go “Humm” all to keep perspective and priority aligned with blessings and reality.
Biblical Affirmation...for I have learned how to be content in any circumstance. I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor. Philippians 4: 11-12 Common English Bible (CEB)