We have the option to be at peace, no matter the circumstances. Let’s choose that option today.
Today is known as Black Friday. Yesterday, we basked in thankfulness and family. We may have enjoyed a beautiful meal with friends. But, today, we will risk life and limb to be the first in line for the door buster deal. Black Friday is the official beginning of the holiday shopping season for many retailers. Once the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade concludes with Santa at the end, it’s off to the races.
Many retailers even decided to open on Thanksgiving Day, which I personally think is terrible. I think everyone should have the opportunity to have a day off and enjoy their family. There are twenty larger retailers who have taken a stand and refused to open on Thanksgiving Day. I have included a link to the list. But, some of them are TJ Maxx, Sam’s, Costco, Home Depot, Publix, and Dillards. I would like to encourage you to spend some of your Christmas shopping dollars at these stores. Let’s reward them for taking a stand for family.
http://mentalfloss.com/article/59725/20-stores-refuse-open-thanksgiving
On another note, if you decide to brave the madness today, I would like to encourage you to say a prayer before you leave your home. Those fruits of the Spirit come in very handy on a day like this, peace, patience and kindness top the list. Pray that the Holy Spirit will prompt you to extend some grace to those who do not extend grace to you. We all have the option to choose peace over pushing and shoving.
Let’s try to remember that some of those people out shopping really need that deal. They may be desperately trying to provide for their own family and living from pay check to pay check. They may have absolutely no extra money for Christmas presents, yet they still want to provide gifts for their children. Let’s try to extend some grace and remember that we have no idea what circumstances have brought each person out today.
Let’s try to remember to extend some grace to the sales people who are working. Many have been up most of the night. Many had to leave their own families at home to come and assist aggressive, unappreciative crowds. Let’s try to offer some kindness to these people, even if we may find them less than helpful. We have no idea what they have endured on this crazy day.
As Christians, let’s take the opportunity to be the face of Jesus today. Let’s be at peace. Let’s extend kindness. Most of all, as we search for that awesome deal, let’s remember the true reason for the season, when God became man to save us all to come and live with Him in eternity. In light of that huge sacrifice, let’s try to remember who we are today and what we stand for.
Y’all have fun and be careful!
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂