Speaking of Packages...

In this busy time of shopping and wrapping and decorating I started really thinking about 'packages'. I think you find in life that you judge people on 1st appearances-the 'package' they present to the world. We all do it....we judge them. Based solely on their shirt, their accent, their hairstyle, their car...whatever. Shallow. When you think about it, its really no wonder why the divorce rate is soaring, who people are fighting, arguing, feuding. Relationships based on outward appearances dont offer much other than comfortable familiarity. There is no depth. Just what 'seems' to be. How can we build meaningful lasting relationships of any sort without a foundation. Its like building a house on a wetland. Its just a matter of time...

If you believe (as I do) that we are all here for a reason, we all have a purpose....then you must believe that everyone has something wonderful to offer.

I am trying really hard to retrain myself to look past the outside and see only what the person is sharing with me through their eyes & their words. It makes perfect sense, after all if you are so busy looking at the outfit they are wearing, you fail to see the person wearing that outfit. Take a moment to delve deeper to see who they really are, not just what they chose to wear that day. Much easier said than done. Sizing people up is human nature. We're all guilty.

I think this holds true for our loved ones as well. Our spouses, parents, children. Dont take advantage of their presence in your lives. You love them, sure. But by finding out more about them, you are certain to expand your depth of your adoration & love. There's nothing worse than a shallow relationship. I am guilty of having so many of them in my own life. Each a powderkeg.

I certainly dont mean to preach to you today...but in this season of giving, I hope for each of you that you can find the beauty in the people around you. Many are put in your path for reasons you will never know. Enjoy them, get to know them....you dont have to like them. Just give them a chance. You never know, you may be surprised.

When you are able to train yourself to listen thoroughly & without judgement- when you are able to step away from making instant external judgements, it is then that you will begin to see true beauty.

I hope each of you has the opportunity to be discovered by others in this very same way.