Two christmases, why not?

Ever since I learned that Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on the evening of January 6th and the day of the 7th, I've thought, "Why not?" We Protestant and Catholic Christians call that day, Epiphany or the arrival of the wise men. We really don't know what day or even time of the year Jesus was born. The Emperor turned the worship of the Sun God into the day of celebrating Jesus' birth, primarily for political purposes. Perhaps the Orthodox are more correct. I say, what difference does it make as long as we celebrate the greatest of all miracles, which is the Incarnation. So, why not celebrate two Christmases.

Saying "Thanks"

As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm thankful for the ability to say, "Thanks." I've two friends with whom I've recently visited. One is suffering from a major stroke that has stolen his ability to speak. He can't say, "Thanks" even though his facial expressions seem to indicate that he wants to say "Thanks." Another friend has late stage dementia and is unable to recognize her visitors, even family. She is also not able to say "Thanks." This thanksgiving season, I'm grateful for the ability to say, "Thanks."

Words

Choose your words carefully. They are important. God spoke the world into existence. God spoke the first time and there was chaos and darkness so, God spoke again and began to separate and clarify the various elements: light and dark; land and water; animals and humans. God continued speaking until there was a created person, one with whom God could relate. One who could talk--use words and share in the on-going creation of the world and relationships. Words, they are the building blocks of creation. With words we can build or we can destroy. Choose words carefully because they are powerful gifts from the Creator.

A New Word

I've learned a new word. I've been reading Lori Gottlieb's book, Maybe You Should Talk To Someone. She is a therapist who gains interesting insights when she becomes another Therapist's patient. For many years, I've met regularly with a therapist or a spiritual director so there is someone who listens to my "stuff" and helps me sort out issues. I've learned a lot about myself from this discipline. I strongly recommend this as a spiritual discipline. The new word is ultracrepidarianism. It is even fun to pronounce and YouTube will give you pronunciation guidance. It means the habit of giving opinions and advice about matters outside of one's knowledge or competence. It is not a good habit to have an opinion about anything and everything. It is okay to say, "I don't know;" especially when it is the truth.

Hang in there

I talked with a young man the other days who confessed to being tired. He is trying faithfully to do what was right as he best understands his situation. However, he hasn't been getting a lot of affirmation and support for his efforts. In fact, some of his friends had ridiculed him for not looking the other way and allowing some things to just go by. I recognize that doing good isn't easy and friends don't always give us support and encouragement. It is easy to grow weary and wonder if it is worth the effort. The scripture (Galatians 6:9) encourages us to "not loose heart in doing good...." So, I say to my friend, "Hang in there even if the effort makes you tired."

Forgiven or Pacified

There is a major difference between being forgiven and being pacified. To be pacified, it seems to me, is to find some means that removes my guilt and shame. It is like being tranquilized. Forgiveness, on the other hand, has to do with repentance. Repentance means that I've stopped the behavior or at least I'm making a serious effort. Forgiveness is also a process. My commitment to work toward forgiveness is a clear decision to be made at a specific time and, probably, will need to be made again and again. It will take some time and effort to change my attitudes, behavior, spirit, etc. It will also take a desire on my part to make the necessary changes and it will require some work in me by God's Spirit to stay the course of forgiveness. Forgiveness has to do with learning from my past behaviors so that they are not continually re-occurring. Forgiveness is difficult, but it leads to genuine peace. To be pacified is to find a small break in a storm. Forgiveness iinvolves getting out of the storm.

Crucifying ourselves

I recently saw this quote from Fulton Oursler, the author of The Greatest Story Ever Told. In a short sentence he says a lot of truth. "Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves -- regret for the past and fear of the future."