Saturday, Dec 4, 2021
“Hip, Hip, Hooray! It’s the first Saturday in December!”
Saturdays in December are packed with entertainment options. Sporting events, theater, films, strolls through the park, visits with Santa and singing choirs are just some of the action-packed things available. Even those of us who live alone can find plenty of things to do IF we can get motivated!
It sounds simple, but motivating oneself is difficult, indeed! You don’t agree? Try this one: While in school, remember trying to motivate ourselves to study for finals in December? These days, we’re trying to use advanced psychology to motivate our own children, who already know more than we ever did! Yeah, being motivated is no easy thing.
Being motivated is especially difficult for those of us who live alone or are no longer as independent as we used to be. It may sound strange, but some of us become less motivated when we see others having fun and enjoying life. Without the assistance of another person, we can begin to feel sorry for ourselves regarding our current condition, which leads to even less motivation and greater problems.
This Christmas Season, let’s be intentional to take some time to consider those who live alone or are otherwise hindered by injury, illness, age, or lack of independence. Make contact with them, give them some love, and offer to help them with a project or accompany them to some Christmas cheer. (Some ideas: Help them fix something in their home, take them to see Christmas lights, invite them to a get-together, attend church with them, or decorate a tree with them!)
Even if it doesn’t sound exciting or entertaining to us, try it and see. We often find that helping someone else is the greatest gift that we receive. Rest assured, the person we help will agree.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16, NRSV)