Can’t We All Get Along?

I was thinking of you today and wondering how Thanksgiving went?  Being with family can be stressful and if not stressful, it opens our eyes to how others live differently. Being in crowds of people, even family members brings about different sounds, conversations and thoughts.

When in a crowd of folks, we may hear and experience sounds and feelings different from our normal day of living.  How did it go for you during these days of Thanksgiving and sharing?  Was it frustrating or did the group in which you spend time,  act in an effort to “work with you” and allow you to feel comfy and accepted? And, were you able to allow them to live their lives without judgement and in freedom?

Being different from someone else does not mean that you have to put aside your way of living, your opinion or your thought process but it does mean that you and I  must often “defer” or give deference to others during this time together. The holidays are not the time to “demand” our way of thinking!  (And it wouldn’t happen anyhow so!)

We are simply not all alike and we all have come from different backgrounds, and ideologies but we can get along.  Even as we may defer allowing others to be who they are, it does not mean we give up our way of thinking or living and it does not mean we agree with everything they do or say.  But, it does mean that we are allowing each person to be themselves and that is important.  Note to self:  They KNOW how you are. They KNOW how you think. They KNOW what you agree or do not agree with by the lifestyle that you live so using the holidays to hammer others on your way of thinking is NOT the time. And yet, they may allow you to share your thoughts and ideas which is of course, all the better. That kind of freedom works for the good of the whole family.

Sometimes, we can learn from others during this season.  There are really good things in other families that we can grow from if we open our mind and hearts. We could learn how to better care for our own family members or learn a new way of cooking or even find a new tradition by being with others.

Each of us have “stable” things in our lives that are ours and ours alone and from which we cannot waiver.  For me, that would be my faith.  While I can go and spend time with others,  I can enjoy myself and even without judgement allow them to live their lives but within myself, I cannot, for me waiver on my faith in God. And, I would never do anything to openly waiver or allow anyone to think for a moment that I have lost my faith in Him.

That is true to my being and what I love so often in my circle of influence, is that those I hang with don’t ask me to and even allow me to share my thoughts of God and His great love from time to time.  I walk a thin line with that.  While I want to bust out and share, I realize my limits and before leaving my home have put down my 50 lb. Bible and bring with me the Holy Spirit within.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I saw a photograph of the Pope praying along side a Muslim emam. Now that cannot stand together, so I am not speaking of mixing faith ideas and  just letting it go in saying “let’s all get along”.  I clearly believe that there is only one true and living God because the Holy Scripture is clear in that regard. Therefore to mix God with god would never work for me.

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism”

Ephesians 4:5

 “Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.

Deu 4:39

But the holidays are not the time for each of us to  hammer others about our belief system.  We are to live out our lives which if we do appropriately will make an impact and if given the chance share…

So, I hope your holiday was good and just want to remind you that Christmas is up and coming.  Brace yourself but leave your 50 lb. Bible at home and take the Holy Spirit with you! The Holy Spirit will know exactly how to behave!

Josie