Like many of you, I grew up in church. Back then, church was quiet. Shhhh…Once you entered through the sanctuary doors, there seemed to be a mood of solemness. As a kid, I thought if I sneezed too loudly it was a terrible thing. But things change - Hallelujah - and today, many churches now see themselves as places of Godly celebration and fellowship. I’m convinced that Jesus had great spirited meetings and that laughter, excitement, and passion were always in play.
Wayyy back in my high school days, we were required to take Spanish. I have to admit being bilingual was apparently not my thing, but this I do remember; whenever our class was getting too loud for our teacher, she would yell out, “Escutcheon por favor! Escuchen!” Translated - listen please. Listen. It seems to be my one big takeaway from two years of Spanish. I even used that line on my own children when they were young.
I was in a store some years ago when I happened upon a mom with two young children in tow. They were being totally grumpy and whiny as only young kids can be, begging just to be let alone to roam the store by themselves. The mother’s young son finally blurted out, “Why can’t we?” to which his mother, in exasperation, shot back, “Because I’m bigger than you are!” End of discussion! Mom’s rules will be followed!
Gifts! Gifts! Gifts! People sure love getting and giving them year round don’t they?! And it seems at Christmas, it gets ramped up to full speed ahead! So, besides baking every cookie known to man, fully decorating your home - inside & out - sending cards to people you rarely see, and attending all sorts of holiday events - you now find yourself shopping your head off for scores of people. But what to buy?? The million dollar question for sure.