Jimmy's Fat?

Hi again,
This entry is almost a year in the making.
Last year, when we got home from our Christmas vacation, I put a note to blog about this subject now (actually I was supposed to on Monday but I got distracted.)  So here it is.

Last Christmas (don't worry, I won't launch into the Wham song,) we made the trek to Indiana and Michigan to visit various family members.  While visiting one home I hugged one person who, as they were hugging me said loud enough for all to here, "Oh, you've gained weight."  I pushed them away and said "Gee thanks for pointing it out."  They backpedaled and said "Oh, no, it looks good on you!"  I informed them that there was nothing they could say after that that would make me feel any better.  We made the best of the time together but I couldn't stop thinking about it and passed on the Christmas cookies.  Here's the thing:

Chances are that if people have gained weight since the last time you've seen them they are most likely aware!  Pointing it out will have nothing but negative results.  I'm a pretty quick thinker and there were a ton of things I wanted to say to hurt that persons feelings as they had mine.  But I chose not to participate in the pattern of negativity.
Christmas and other holidays seem to be a catalyst for drama.  Emotions run high.  I don't know maybe it's because prior to gathering we've run ourselves ragged to the point that the filter that is usually between our brain and our mouth gets switched off.  I encourage us all to remember those filters and engage them properly.  Perhaps we would be wise to error on the side of over filtering.
Picture it, Aunt Kathy brings her famous turkey dressing.  What she doesn't know is that it's famous for being as dry as the Sahara Desert.  When she says to you "Oh have some of my dressing, I know how much you love it!"  Instead of saying "Heck no, last time I ate that I almost choked!"  Why not say "Sure Aunt Kathy, It really brings out the flavor of this gravy."  And pour on enough gravy help you get it (and hopefully keep it) down.  You'll make her day!

Granted not everyone reads this blog, although they should, so there will most likely be folks who forget to tend to their filter.  I have learned that my responsibility is not to remind them to filter.  It is my job not to react but to always act in love.  Will it be difficult, probably.
But if things get uncomfortable, take a deep breath and remember that it's one day out of 365.

If that doesn't work, just remember, "Jimmy's gained weight!" That should at least bring a smile to your face.

Choose love!

Merry Christmas!