From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
How’s your Christmas shopping going so far?
Have you got most of what’s on your list, or have you barely started?
For all you procrastinators out there, isn’t it nice that some gifts are so readily available that you just need to go to the right web site, give your credit card number, and then click to close the deal?
Unfortunately, not all gifts are so easy to obtain.
Take character, for instance.
James Froude once said, “You cannot dream yourself character; you must hammer and forge it.” Part of the hammering and forging process in developing character involves dealing with people who may be on your naughty list.
You know, it’s that guy at work who always has a negative opinion about stuff, or the neighbourhood kid who constantly uses your front lawn for a short cut to his friend’s house.
It may be (gasp) a church member who can’t find the ‘off’ button in any conversation.
Character is a coveted asset that we all want, but getting there can be a long and painful process.
You won’t be able to rush out to Walmart two days before Christmas and pick this item up, no siree!
This one’s a slow cooker with plenty of basting needed to get it to the desired tenderness.
I predict that your character will get a little more hammering and forging the closer we get to Christmas and the longer you wait to get all your shopping done.
Jostling with other shoppers in the busy retail market in December can really bring out the worst in us.
Why not pray before heading out to the stores for the Lord to help your character stand the temptation towards rudeness and impatience?
While you’re at it, give some of those beleaguered sales clerks a compliment or two along the way.
Of course, it will take some character to do that, won’t it?
