You know, sometimes life just jumps up and punches you in the face! Here I was, finally off the plane to Ireland…. I’m dragging a carry-on suitcase behind me, I’m wearing a fairly heavy backpack, and it’s time to go up an escalator. Seems simple enough… What could POSSIBILLY go wrong? Funny you should ask. A “Perfect storm” of circumstances, all plotted against me! As I stepped onto the escalator, I put my right foot just a bit too far forward and caught the edge of the next step in front of me. As it rose, it tipped my foot back and with the suitcase pulling behind me, and the backpack on my back, I went over backwards. The worst part? My feet were pointed uphill, my head was pointed downhill, and I simply couldn’t get up! There was a lady there who worked for the airport who stopped the escalator, and with a little help I was able to regain my feet. I had some gouges on my arm, and on my hip, and a couple little ones elsewhere, but was otherwise undamaged…. That is, except for my pride! That took a real beating! The lady who stopped the escalator insisted that I wait for medical personnel to check me out before I went on my way. She also insisted that I sit on an airport wheelchair while I waited… So here I sit with the crowd climbing the stairs with their luggage instead of riding up the escalator, because some guy fell down on the escalator! Not my best hour. I got checked out and we were finally on our way with the following advice… “Be sure and get a tetanus shot! These escalators are really dirty!” (I did!) What a way to begin our time in Ireland!
I’m sure you’re wondering what this all has to do with… well, anything. I’ll tell you! Just like a trip to visit family, the Christmas season is a time of joy! We celebrate our Savior’s birth, we get together with family, we buy (and get) presents… What’s not to like? But in the midst of all those wonderful things, a “perfect storm” of circumstances may develop, and our joy may be in danger. It might be a memory of loved ones who are no longer with us. It may be thinking about who isn’t able to get home for Christmas. It may be that something happens to us that hurts our feelings. It could even be something as simple as an unexpected car repair!
If this happens, don’t focus on whatever is causing the problem. Instead, focus on JESUS! “Jesus is the reason for the Season” is an old cliché, but that makes it no less true! When we focus on Jesus, the rest will dim in the background.
Enjoy the Christmas Season… But watch out for those pesky escalators!
John
