The mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:6

I begin every Christmas season hoping to be more organized than the last one. But it never happens, and I repeat the same pattern of last minute shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Somehow though, it always gets done in time, and I nap all afternoon on Christmas Day.

Running around town last week, I noticed how different people are responding to this stressful time of the year. Here are three snapshots.

An older gentleman on a bicycle yelled angrily at a driver whose tires were in the middle of the crosswalk. She apologized to him, then hastily backed up, almost into my car. He wasn’t impressed with her courteous gesture and cussed her out some more as he crossed the street.

In a checkout line, I watched the storeowner enthusiastically pause to thank the delivery driver who had just dropped off some packages. She smiled and told him his timing was perfect. His face brightened, he wished her well, then bounded out the door, his spirits clearly boosted. At the next store, the delivery man was ignored. Forced to wait for a signature and never spoken to, he left with an air of irritation that he hadn’t come in with.

Dropping off two bags of donations at Goodwill, the worker sorting through hundreds of items greeted me with a huge smile. I wished him a blessed Christmas. Immediately, he shouted at the top of his lungs, “Christmas is the reason why we’re so blessed!” I threw my arms up in the air and shouted, “Amen!” My daughter in the car might have been slightly embarrassed, but she’d that agree joy abounded in that alleyway.

Think about the scenes you’ve witnessed during this Christmas season. Have they been grateful, joyful, and peaceful or have they been inhospitable, angry, and mean?

Even in the midst of this busy season, with so many things vying for our attention and time, we still have a choice about our mindset. Let’s chose to express gratitude, exude joy, and walk in peace.

The Spirit of God gives us a mindset of peace (Romans 8:6). What a wonderful time of year to prioritize gratitude, joy, and peace. When you chose the mindset of Christ, you’ll lift the atmosphere of places you visit and bless the people you meet.

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank you for being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement

#joy #peace #gratitude