T.N.T...TINY N TOUGH

"And God bless us everyone!"- Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol

     Recently, I witnessed a tiny moth braving the elements and flying against the wind with all its might.  It fluttered and dipped and rose and dipped again, but it never stopped until it reached a nearby shrub.  Life sometimes feels like that tiny moth against the elements!  Nonetheless, it survived and so shall we if we persevere.  Of course, the good Lord's Hand helping us along is a blessing.  I am reminded of Tiny Tim, the wee lad in Dicken's Christmas Carol.  Despite his frailty, he was a mighty example of Christmas Spirit and strength. Inasmuch, his example remained a turning force for Ol' Mr. Scrooge, who had allowed his own heart to grow cold and his own spirit to dim. 

     1 Timothy 4:12 puts it another way: "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."  We tend to forget the virtues of joy and grace during the Christmas Season, when joy and grace should be abundant.  As Ol' Mister Scrooge learned, we cannot continue reacting or existing, striving for more, more, more-not without its dire consequences.  Here, this morning, afternoon or evening, may you find a quietness in which to breathe a moment.  Inhale, exhale, inhale and feel your body relax. Exhale all those toxins and frustrations.  Inhale once again and smile.  Oh, don't forget to exhale!  

     In this moment, no matter what the muck and guck, stress or worry, know that you are loved.  May we move forward into our day with a newfound strength and perhaps a morsel of Christmas Spirit. "And God bless us everyone!."