Let Me Be A Little Kinder

At this time of the year television networks broadcast many Christmas specials to celebrate this festive season. Some of the specials that are broadcasted are new while others are classics that are favorites. One such “classic” special is “A Christmas Carol” starring George C. Scott as the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge.

The story of Scrooge is one that is known by all. It is the story of a miserly and nasty businessman that has no compassion for anyone or anything but does have a passion for making and hoarding wealth. As the story goes, Ebenezer goes through a series of dreams (nightmares!) on Christmas eve where he comes face to face with himself for who he is, what he has become and what will happen if he doesn’t change. The reality of this causes a transition in his life, as he wakes up on Christmas morning and he determines to make a compassionate impact on the lives of others. Obviously for those who had experienced the attitudes of Scrooge in the past, this transition is met with a lot of surprise and a degree of skepticism but this did not deter Ebenezer Scrooge from his crusade to make amends for the mistakes he had made.

One such amend was with his nephew whom he had so little to do with that he hadn’t even met his nephew’s wife. Despite being shunned in so many ways Ebenezer’s nephew continued to invite his uncle every year to share Christmas dinner with he and his wife. Scrooge in the past had always brushed off the invitation with some rude comment. However after the frightening dreams that Scrooge had, one of his first stops was at his nephews where he made amends for his wrongful behavior and attitude. This was received with great joy by his nephew and his wife.

During this conversation with his nephew Scrooge made a statement that always catches my attention. He said, “God forgive me for the time that I have wasted!”  For the miserly Scrooge this was both a profound acknowledgment of regret and a request.

As I thought about this I began to think about the time wasted because of "Bah Humbug" attitudes and critical spirits. How much of our time has been wasted because of these poor choices? How many opportunities are lost forever by grumpy and negative dispositions? How many chances to do good are lost forever because of a critical spirit? Is there some of Scrooge in all of us? Maybe not to the same extreme or in exactly the same way but cannot we all look back on our lives and see times where we offered a less than stellar demonstration of what it means to encourage and build one another up? Cannot all of us see moments in life where we like Ebenezer Scrooge need to say, “God forgive me for the time that I have wasted!"

This time of year is a wonderful time when we focus on giving, kindness and peace. May God forgive us for the time we waste in those useless "Bah Humbug" critical endeavors. Rather may He bless us with the power and determination to live the words of this song:

Let me be a little kinder

Let me be a little blinder

To the faults of those about me

Let me praise a little more

Let me be when I am weary

Just a little bit more cheery

Think a little more of others

And a little less of me

Let me be a little meeker

With the brother that is weaker

Let me think more of my neighbor

And a little less of me

To all those who have lived and demonstrated these words to Sandra and I through numerous acts and words, may there be in this season a flood of awareness of Father's blessing within you and your family. Merry Christmas.