my advent endeavor
Years
ago, I gave my parents a beautifully illustrated Advent book.
Every page features a door you can open to reveal a scene from
the Christmas story. In fact, all through my childhood we enjoyed a
variety of Advent calendars that counted down the days until the
birth of Christ. Sometimes, my mom would buy one of the more
elaborate calendars that sweetened
the anticipation with
a piece of chocolate. Each year, I still purchase an Advent calendar,
and with childlike anticipation I (or one of my kids) open
a door to each day's secret surprise.
Recently,
at my request, a friend opened
up her heart and
revealed to me a precious part of her soul; the secret behind
her life-affirming personality and positive attitude.
I've been contemplating her gracious response ever since, but one
idea in particular has captivated my attention. Every
day my
friend makes a choice, especially in the face of challenging
circumstances or difficult relationships, to
open the door to grace.
So
I've been wondering,
as I open the doors on my Advent calendar this season, how can I
purposefully open
the door to grace for
the people in my life?
Perhaps
...
I
can give you the benefit of the doubt. I
don't have to automatically assume the worst about you. Maybe you're
having a bad day or someone you love is ill or you just
lost your job. You don't owe me an explanation. Today, I
will open the door to grace and
give you the benefit of the doubt.
I
can offer my opinions without framing them as facts. As
much as I like to believe I adhere to considerably logical opinions,
I still need to frame them honestly. Although, I may have a right to
my opinion, I do not have a right to express them haphazardly.
Therefore, I
will open the door to grace and
buffer my thoughts with, “In my opinion.”
I
can really listen to you. I
can consider thoughtfully what you are actually saying. I won't
pretend like I'm listening just so I can make a defense. I will wait
my turn and not interrupt. I can understand and respect your ideas
even if they differ with mine. Today, I
will open the door to grace and
give you my full attention.
I
can give you a compliment without making a negative comparison. “I
love your creative use of vibrant, expressive colors. I feel so alive
when I view your art,” is a great compliment. “You are so much
better than that other guy who dabbles in depressing themes. He needs
art lessons or counseling or something,” is not. Therefore, I
will open the door to grace by
building you up without pulling someone else down.
I
can look you in the eye and express something positive or
encouraging. Even
if I don't know you. I can choose to say, “Thanks for your time,”
“I appreciate your effort,” “I loved how you expressed
yourself,” “That's a great question,” “I'm so glad you told
me that,” or “You are worth it,” depending on the situation.
Today, I
will open the door to grace by
responding with positive affirmations or encouraging words.
The
season of Advent reminds us that with the birth of Christ, God
opened the door to grace for us. Perhaps,
then we can open the door to grace for each other as well.
We can make a difference together!
