Tis the Season

It was the Sunday before Christmas, and this was the third time I visited the post office near the airport to attempt to mail some packages. Obviously, I was not the only one with this task in mind.

My third time was the charm. There was only about 30 people there and the line was in the shape of a snake once you got inside. I thought it was great - it was the shortest line of the day. Why the others did not understand their good fortune, I don't know.

I dutifully went to the end of the line, but I was confident I would not be there long. And I was right. More people were coming. Perhaps it is needless to say, but the Christmas spirit was severely lacking that day. There were a lot of grumpy people there. If you know me, you know that I am not against whining, but I am against grumpy.

I began by talking to the people in front of me. After I got a few smiles out of them, I worked on the grumpier people behind me. They were an unusual couple. He was African. She was Scandinavian. They were carrying about 50 packages. I was kind of glad that they were behind me.

But then the fun really began. A person came in the door and looked at the line and you could immediately tell what she wanted to do. It was in her eyes. She wanted to cut in line. Oh, what a devious thought it was. And I admit, I sensed the injustice in it, so I said out loud, "To the end of the line with you!"

Well, as audacious as that might be, a lot of other people were thinking the same thing and broke out laughing. And so did the person in question - a big smile came across her face and she dutifully went to the end.

That was not the end of it. Every person was now greeted with "To the end of the line with you," with a subsequent series of laughter and smiles.

Thirty-five minutes later, I was finally paying for my packages and as I turned, the room was full of smiles and laughter. I could not help but think that God's grace had extended to us that particular afternoon. Joy! Christmas cheer. It made me realize that we take that joy wherever we go - if we would just live it.

"I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people."

Postscript: I spoke an untruth earlier in this story. I am against whining - unless I am doing it.

Xavier

This time, I am watching more closely - really trying to pay attention.

When you are a dad, there is so much responsibility and stress - make a living, be a good dad, meet your wife's needs - and it all goes by so fast. Soccer. Recitals. Concerts. Graduations. Bam! Empty nest.

As "Pops," I find myself intently watching little Xavier. Right now, I am watching him discover that his arm and hand are actually connected to him and that they just might serve a purpose. He is discovering if he maneuvers his arm in just the right way, the desired object will end up where he wants it - his mouth.

Fully absorbed, I find myself looking into Xavier's face. What is going on behind those beautiful blue eyes? He fixes his eyes on lights and colors and movement and...and then he looks at me...and smiles and talks. I admit. I am not sure what he is saying, but I am fairly sure it is about how good looking his Pops is.

How marvelous is God's design! How marvelous is God's image! I know I will be seeing more of it as this little guy grows.