By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
I needed this reminder tonight.
The hustle and bustle, the stress, the rushing and running, the buying, the bills, the food preparation and planning, the events to cover. I have to admit in the last few weeks I have felt overwhelmed.
I am ashamed to say I have lost my temper over ridiculous things that are not even important.
So, I am digging for positive. I now realize I don’t have to dig at all. I just need to block out these tiny, little things that in a week I will not even remember.
There really is so much good around us. But the devil works on us, and when we are weak, we will let the negativity come through. It is a battle for all of us.
As another very long day was coming close to an end, it was the simplest thing that stopped me in my tracks.
A full day of work, then off to grocery shop. Everyone and their cousins were in the grocery stores. I say stores, because I had to go to two different ones to get everything on my list for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day cooking.
Then off to get one last present for a wonderful friend of mine.
I came home and unloaded the groceries grumpily. I didn’t stop to think then how blessed our family is that I can purchase such a ridiculous amount of food that will feed my family and loved ones as we gather to celebrate Christmas. But I know it now.
I drove over to Bob Ealum’s house to drop off a few things and visit. If you know Bob, he is doing pretty well. He is not quite ready to come back and take photos for the EAN just yet, but it is coming.
I visited with him and his brother in Elmore. Then I realized my day was not yet done and had to leave for more errands.
As I drove through Elmore I noticed the lights by Town Hall. I had been so focused driving to Bob’s house that I missed them.
But there they were. The baby Jesus in a manger with Mary and Joseph, the three wise men and some animals. A beautiful display.
I slowed down, then pulled over into the parking lot. I got out and walked over and just stared at the lights.
And it hit me like a ton of bricks how ridiculous it is that I have allowed what is supposed to be the most joyful time of year make me so cranky.
I have so much to be thankful for. I know of people right now that are mourning a horrific loss. I know friends who are going through the first Christmas without a parent, grandparent, a sibling, a child, or the love of their life.
I sat there feeling very ashamed, so I just started praying. I felt this weight lifting off my shoulders, and before I knew it I was smiling through my tears.
Thank you, Town of Elmore. Your display took this old grinch’s heart and twisted the mean right out of it.
I was reminded of what is truly important. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, and lots of work, lots to do.
But I will be in the presence of so many of my friends and family, celebrating our Savior, as well as a friend’s birthday, and enjoying some holiday cheer. We will all be full with great food at the end. We will be on Santa Watch and hopefully be able to do some live action news reporting for the kiddoes.
As I drove home, I took in all the Christmas lights on houses and along the road. I admired the homes that have very simple lights, but you know they did all they could do. They are trying to spread joy.
I passed by my friend Rick’s house on Deatsville Highway. He has quite the display. He has been adding to it every day. He told me he isn’t doing it for himself. He said, “If I can make one person smile and be happy when they see it, that is all that matters. This time of year, there is so much sadness. I just want to make one person smile.”
My friend, I guarantee you a lot more than one person has admired your hard work.
Thank you for blessing me Lord and forgive me when I take it for granted.
And thank you to the Town of Elmore for reminding me with the display in this photo.
Shine on Elmore. Shine On! Merry Christmas my friends. God bless us, everyone.
Sarah Stephens is the creator and owner of the Elmore Autauga News. She can be reached at [email protected].
