It was my *one* outing for the day…
So it was A. Big. Deal.
I got all dressed up in same the outfit I wear most winter days.
I even put on mascara (not while driving tho, as I am sometimes often guilty of doing in slow traffic, at red lights, etc… hey, don’t judge me)… but rather, in the Target parking lot. Yes. even better.
Selah was “relaxing” the minute we made it to the coffee shop drive thru.
“Mommy, I’m just gonna relax for a minute…”

Since she was out like a light, I had a few moments of alone time, sipping my coffee, in my cold van, in the Target parking lot. I know, I know, you *wish* you had my life!

But before I parked, I observed the Grinch… 
It had snowed all morning, and Target was bustling with busy holiday shoppers, so the parking lot was a picture of patience and parking lot etiquette by most of the drivers. That is, except one. 

I drove down the line of cars, , ready to pounce on the perfect parking spot up front. I waited calmly as a big truck in front of me backed into his spot and BAM! The spot closest to the entrance, next to the big truck, opened up. I know, I know you *wish* you had my luck!

Still waiting on the big truck (which took several tries to back into his spot), the Grinch slowly pulled up behind me and BAM! She squeezed past me, and went around my car, nearly hitting the front of the big truck still backing in and cutting off another customer leaving Target walking to her car, nearly hitting her, while weaving around other customers, to the handicap parking spot she had her eye on.

As I pull into my awesome best spot ever, I glance at the big truck driver and we both shrug our shoulders agreeing the Grinch lady was nuts, and I exhale, relieved he didn’t take any longer to back into his spot… poor thing, I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but it took him quite a while. He was simply trying to land a best parking spot ever too.

Then I met eyes with the woman who had just had her toes almost driven over. I rolled down my window and asked if she was okay. Thankfully she was. We both shook our heads in disbelief that someone (not naming any names – Grinch) could be so ignorant of others…

I sat there in my parked van, shaking my head, waiting for the Grinch to make her next move. In those few moments, my mind raced at her rudeness. Her ignorance. Her neglect. I had to hold my tongue resisting the urge to yell at her. Immediately, I was convicted. How many times have I been so selfish? In a hurry, rushing past anyone in path, blinded to those in need.

The Grinch made her next move. Her car had a handicap sticker, but she walked quickly and spat on the ground with no regard, as she bolted toward the Target entrance.

My heart began to judge again. I didn’t know her story, but I was observing so much about her…
I was torn between wanting to talk with her, ask her why the hurry, yet frustrated with her actions.
And her actions never affected me, directly.

Humans are strange creatures. We can become even stranger around the holidays. Sometimes even turning into the Grinch… selfish and joyless. 

Christmas time can be all about the gifts we receive…
We do need gifts. 
We need the gifts God wants to give us ~ the fruits of His Spirit ~ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… {Galatians 5:22-23}

The fruits of the Spirit are a gift from God and for God’s glory.
They shift our focus toward God and the needs of others.

What are you asking for this Christmas? 
I’m asking for more of God’s Gifts ~ the fruits of His Spirit.
And if I run into another Grinch this Christmas season, I hope and pray I can share these gifts with them.

*Thank you for reading! Please feel free to share, comment on, and follow the blog 🙂 In Him, Leslie