One of the episodes that I thoroughly enjoyed was when Brother and Sister had a terrible case of “the Galloping Gimmies” :)
In this episode... "Brother and Sister Bear want everything in sight, and they throw tantrums when they don't get what they want. Wisely Mama and Papa deal with this childhood malady by teaching the cubs about the family budget and the importance of appreciating all that they have already." (Inside flap of the Paperback text)
Aren't Brother and Sister’s attitudes much like our own so many times. More often than not I have had my own case of the Galloping Gimmies! It seems as if no matter how much I have, I am always wanting more! For myself – more clothing, more purses, more SHOES; For my children - more clothing, more toys, more games, and of course...more money to buy it all with! Ugh – I’ve exhausted myself just thinking about it!
In discussing the Thanksgiving holiday with my co-workers this past week our conversation led to the tradition of Black Friday. For those of you that weren't aware, Black Friday is the day following the United States Thanksgiving holiday. It is considered to be one of the busiest shopping days of the year. I know, I know, many of you women have - like me - had visions of Black Friday shopping sprees dance in your heads on more than one occasion. Especially when hearing of the glorious sales that are offered by our most prized vendors.
Our Black Friday discussion this past week, however, did not leave me with the strong desire to cross the border for the upcoming shopping celebrations. And when I got home, I decided to do some research on this coveted day - only to discover these shocking truths...(taken from Wikipedia!!)
- In 2006, a man in Roanoke, Virginia shopping at Best Buy was recorded on video assaulting another shopper. Unruly Wal-Mart shoppers at a store outside Columbus, Ohio, quickly flooded in the doors at opening, pinning several employees against stacks of merchandise. Nine shoppers in a California mall were injured, including an elderly woman who had to be taken to the hospital, when the crowd rushed to grab gift certificates that had been released from the ceiling.
- In 2008 a crowd of approximately 2,000 shoppers in Valley Stream, New York, waited outside for the 5:00 a.m. opening of the local Wal-Mart. As opening time approached the crowd grew anxious and when the doors were opened the crowd pushed forward, breaking the door down, and trampling a 34 year old employee to death. The shoppers did not appear concerned with the victim's fate, expressing refusal to halt their stampede when other employees attempted to intervene and help the injured employee, complaining that they had been waiting in the cold and were not willing to wait any longer. Shoppers had begun assembling as early as 9:00 the evening before. Even when police arrived and attempted to render aid to the injured man, shoppers continued to pour in, shoving and pushing the officer as they made their way into the store. Several other people incurred minor injuries, including a pregnant woman who had to be taken to the hospital.
- During Black Friday 2010, a Madison, Wisconsin woman was arrested outside of a Toys 'R' Us store after cutting in line, and threatening to shoot other shoppers who tried to object. A Toys for Tots volunteer in Georgia was stabbed by a shoplifter. An Indianapolis woman was arrested after causing a disturbance by arguing with other Wal-Mart shoppers. She had been asked to leave the store, but refused. A man was arrested at a Florida Wal-Mart when other shoppers waiting in line for the store to open noticed that he was carrying a handgun and reported the matter to police. He was discovered to also be carrying two knives and a pepper spray grenade. A man in Buffalo, New York, was trampled when doors opened at a Target store and unruly shoppers rushed in, in an episode reminiscent of the deadly 2008 Wal-Mart stampede.
In Luke 12:48 Jesus said...
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required". (KJV)
In the words of Charles Stanley, “Jesus does not give us gifts, talents, and resources merely to spend them on ourselves. He gives them to us so that we will use them to expand His kingdom and to meet the needs of others." (Life Principle’s Bible) In other words, we have been "Blessed to Be a Blessing"!
In the midst of the chaos of our world, and the attitudes that are so markedly portrayed on Black Friday - there are still those whose lives exemplify the kind of behaviour that Charles Stanley speaks about. Just in my own circle of family and friends I can think of a number of people that would fit this description. I consider my mother, and her ever giving nature, her love for bringing others enjoyment through the warmth of a home cooked meal. I think of my one friend who takes regular medical mission trips to places such as Africa and Haiti, sharing her nursing skills and her kind-hearted spirit with those who potentially have little hope of even seeing tomorrow. I think of another dear friend who goes out of her way to do thoughtful little gestures for those that she holds near and dear to her heart, as well as those that she barely knows at all... And my list could go on! These are the people that are true examples of Thanksgiving in it's living form.
On this Thanksgiving holiday, I am forced to consider how often my own actions reflect a true heart of thanksgiving for the many wonders that God has chosen to bless me with - despite my undeserving attitude or behaviour. I pause and reflect on the fact that I have been “Blessed to be a Blessing”. I am so thankful for the many blessings that surround me, and I pray that I will never lose sight of the fact that God has given me all of these that I might choose to bless someone else.
I hope you will enjoy the video that I am attaching. It is my oldest daughter - Jessica in 2009 (age 8 at the time) at our church's Children’s Christmas Cantata singing a song entitled “Blessed to Be a Blessing”. I pray that it will bless your heart this Thanksgiving day, and that in return, you too will choose to bless someone!
Tammy
Follow this link for the video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1OJIkMZtag
