I wonder about your memories and curious... are you proud of every childhood memory? Were you ever mean to someone because your best friend was, not making up your own mind, but following the pack? Were you ever disrespectful of an adult? Did you ever talk back to your parent? Did you ever hit someone? Did you 'forget' to apologize to someone when you made the poor decision?
At this time of year a memory of my childhood sends me to my knees. It is of an ungrateful little girl, speaking her mind, but hurting the people she loved most. How could she? It is a reminder to me when I see young children caught up in the frenzy of Christmas. Our society has skewed the meaning and makes it all about self satisfaction, presents, lights and personal pleasure.
I am thinking that every family hides the 'dirt' of their errors. It stays in the house, not on display and I think probably my poor behavior has not been shared except by me.
It was Christmas 1957. Grampa Thompson was the SANTA of all things big. That year SANTA brought me a kitchen set... one of those coveted dream kitchens of all little girls. I remember where it was set up in the living room so that as I rounded the corner of the fireplace it was the first thing I saw.
I'd say that poor reaction is worth my remembering. It reminds me children will be children and indeed none of us is perfect. Of course my family had rules, discipline and expectations; for whatever reason, I chose childish honesty in that moment. A child of 5 can be frustrating in their rambunctious behavior or there Christmas greed, but they are generally forgiven.
But what I am also reminded of is that we generally do not hold onto those dubious memories that don't show us in good light. No matter our age we all have moments of unwelcome behaviors. As I see an overwrought child this season it is a reminder that my past does not dictate who I am today. I am less than perfect but my future allows every opportunity to change, to be caring and giving and grateful.
My wish for you all this Christmas is to 'see' the meaningful and special, even the unexpected.