Hey Rockstars! I realize we’ve turned the corner and headed into 2021, but before we pack Christmas 2020 up and away, allow me to tell you a holiday story that ends with a tiny piece of advice for all of us going forward.

I look for every opportunity to share a laugh on any given day but looking for the humor can be especially helpful when time is short, and the to-do list is long. Laughter is good meds. The Word says it and I believe it.

My favorite funny of Christmas 2020 comes from a little scene I overheard in a boutique early in the season. This unapologetic people watcher can’t help but listen to every conversation my curious ears can make out! This particular day, the listening was way too easy. A rather loud lady in the store I was shopping in was discussing gift choices for her daughter-in-law with the clerk. Several had been suggested. All had been dismissed. Finally, the mother-in-law picked up a pair of dressy little lounging pants and told the clerk they would have to do.

“Okay, and what size would she need?” the clerk asked, politely.

“Well…” the lady responded. “That’s a good question. She needs a large, but she thinks she’s a small!”

It was no use trying not to laugh. In fact, I may have actually snorted! The clerk’s eyes met mine over a display. Our mouths were both covered by masks, but her eyes were dancing. She wanted to laugh, too!  I could tell she was also trying to figure out what to do with that sizing announcement, but the mother-in-law spared her with a second and final instruction. “Just wrap up a large. I’ll tell her I asked for a small and y’all must have given me a large by mistake. She’ll wear it anyway. No harm, no foul.”

I’m not so sure about that no harm, no foul assessment. I think the jury is still out!

All joking aside, I’d like to be serious a moment before we go.

I’m blessed in the in-law department. My kids married fine young people who I count friends as well as family. I wish the same for you, but let’s say that hypothetically, your relationship with in-laws is more strained. Or maybe it’s not even in-laws that are challenging your peace. Maybe it’s blood relatives fraying your nerves. Maybe it’s co-workers or friends. Here’s a people tip that comes in handy for me.

I’ve found that every opportunity I take to trade in the useless exercise of trying to figure out why people do what they do, for the superior delight of contemplating the endless mysteries of God turns out to be a big win for my peace of mind. What’s more, I’ve found God is faithful to help me recognize where my thoughts are so I can make the trade when I live inviting Him to rule in my stinking thinking. Try it! It’s a simple mental shift that delivers every time.

Happy New Year Hugs,