Carrying Christmas in my Heart ~ Listen

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

This part of our journey through the season is a reminder of some practical things we can do to carry Christmas in our hearts.  Yesterday’s was difficult but an excellent reminder for me.  Today the idea I want to hone is that of listening.  I am not talking about conversation.  I am talking about listening to what is going on around you.  I will begin with a story related to me by my closest friend.

This occurred over a Thanksgiving weekend.  The man was out to eat with his family.  The diner chosen for dinner was a buffet and the servers depended on tips for most of their income.  He was at the buffet line filling his plate when he heard one of the servers speaking to another.

The first server, Heather expressed her worry that she could not afford a Christmas tree for her child.  He could hear the sadness and fear in her voice and it went all the way to his heart.  Throughout dinner, he pondered what he could do to help. 

After dinner he went home with his family and then after seeing them in, he left again.  He knew that Christmas trees were already on sale locally to benefit a children’s charity.  He bought a tree and took it back to the diner.  Since the server did not know him, he asked that she take a look at the back of his car whilst he stood a distance off.  He explained that the tree was hers.

The server immediately wept.  So did my friend.  Filled with joy over his ability to help, he related the story to me.  His comment was, “All I did was listen for needs while I was out and about.  The needs are always there if we pay attention.”

I would like to suggest some things that we overhear all the time that are needs we can meet.  I will warn you that there is no tangible award and that the practice is addictive.  I will also say that the level of joy that warning brings is immeasurable.

• You will hear people in stores conversing about where to find something.  If you know where it is, tell them.
• When you hear people trying to decide where to eat, suggest a local place that you like.
• People will express their concerns to you in line.  Listen and encourage them.
• If you acting a child acting politely, compliment the parent on it.
• Listen to the servers and clerks as they talk about work.  Find a way to be kind, generous, and encouraging.

 The point is that if we listen, we will hear of needs we can meet.  We will discover ways to be good to others that take little time or effort.  I made the mistake earlier this year wearing a red shirt and khaki pants to a Target store.  I got to spend almost an hour helping people find things and listening to their complaints about items.  I would express immediately on being approached that I did not work at Target.  Only one person withdrew.  The rest ignored that and proceeded to ask me where to find what they were seeking.  One lady even tried to tip me.  I reminded her that I did not work there and asked that she save it for someone else.      

If we take the time to listen, we will hear other’s needs.  Sometimes, if we are willing, we will be able to help.  In that moment is the spirit of Christmas realized.  Giving help to those in need, even in a tiny need, is the great gift we are allowed to give each other.  If we listen, we can hear the December prayers of others expressed as wishes for help, complaints of inability, or conversations of indecision.  We can help, Dear Reader and the cost is very little for us.  It can fulfill that promise that is so vital; it can remind others that they are not alone.

December Prayer – Idina Menzel

In the touch of a friend, in the breath of a child,

In the eyes of a soldier coming home to his mother's grateful smile,

In the sight of falling snow, and the memories it brings,

In the season when you find some peace, in the simple tender things,

Open your heart and look around, listen, listen

Hear the song within the silence,

See the beauty when there's nothing there,

Sing a song within a silence that hope and love are everywhere,

And when the quiet night is falling watch an angel dancing in the air

To the song, the song within the silence a December Prayer,

A December Prayer.

In the strength of your hand as it holds onto mine,

And the promise that we're not alone in this place and time,

In the gifts that you give I am humbled and amazed

Far beyond this day and time of year

We are in a state of grace.

Open your heart and look around, listen, listen

Hear the song within the silence,

See the beauty when there's nothing there,

Sing a song within a silence that hope and love are everywhere,

And when the quiet night is falling watch an angel dancing in the air

To the song, the song within the silence a December Prayer,

A December Prayer

Listen, listen

Hear the song within the silence,

See the beauty when there's nothing there,

Sing a song within a silence that hope and love are everywhere,

And when the quiet night is falling watch an angel dancing in the air

To the song, the song within the silence a December Prayer,

A December Prayer.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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