Articles

December 17, 2024

What Others Probably Won’t Be Saying About You.

Author: David Welday

Category:

Finding Purpose, Giving Support, Healing, Health, Manful Emotions

We live in a world where a thousand things are competing for our attention. We see this accentuated around the holiday season, where retailers are vying to grab not just your attention, but whatever disposable income you have earmarked to spend on Christmas gifts and holiday shopping. Add to the merchandising “noise” all the worthy non-profit organizations hoping to pick up additional year-end contributions, all the social obligations to attend holiday gatherings, and somewhere in all this, you’re expected to spend more time, not less, with your immediate and extended family. It’s easy to start thinking of your time, even your life, as a commodity.

But there’s only so much of you to go around…

So allow me to offer two bits of commentary—things you probably already know, but in the midst of the holiday hecticness, would be good to remember.
First: Take time to invest in yourself. Yes, Christmas is a season of giving, of putting others first. Living your life in the service of others is important, rich, even noble. Yet, focusing on others does not mean that you overwhelm or burn yourself out in the process. So take time over the next few weeks to get quiet, relax, do something fun that you enjoy doing—fit in personal time to stay refreshed and avoid “holiday burnout.”

Second: Your presence can make a bigger impact on the lives of others than you think. I know it can feel awkward and self-serving to think about this. But the fact is, you are uniquely and wonderfully made. You possess a very distinct set of strengths, personality, experience, perspective, and insights that no one else has—literally NO ONE! So don’t sell your value, your worth, or your impact short.

You are making a more significant impact in the lives of those around you than you realize. People are better because of you. Chances are, nobody is going to come up and tell you this. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Maybe it’s just a simple word of encouragement you share with the mailman (or woman) you happen to say “hi” to as they stop at your mailbox.

Maybe it’s a kind word to the checkout lady at your grocery store. How about the couple standing ahead of you in the foyer of your favorite restaurant as you are waiting to be seated for dinner? How about your grandson, who just needs a hug from his grandma or grandpa?

You have a number of meaningful relationships and a host of casual, even incidental ones that you will interact with in the days ahead. Don’t underestimate how much good you can do, how much impact you can have, through seemingly insignificant connections.

The other day, my wife and I were having breakfast at one of our favorite local diners. Because we are somewhat “regulars,” our server that morning casually shared about her daughter’s upcoming surgery. Instead of saying “that’s nice,” we paused to stop and listen, and prayed quickly and quietly for that situation. It probably wasn’t even a minute, but you could tell it was a meaningful moment for our server.

So, my challenge to you is to open your eyes, pay attention, and be intentional in looking for ways to be a blessing, to make a difference in the lives of others by just sharing a little bit of YOU with those around you.

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