The Kitchen Sink
An occasional piece of paper
December 28, 2008
Vol. 11 no. 51

Everything But...
           Probably all of us have had to restrain ourselves from saying what really is on our minds at one time or another. Sometimes it is to protect ourselves and sometimes it is to protect the other person – or at least that is the reason we use. But what happens when an individual asks us a question and says, “Please be honest”? This will surely cause us discomfort. If you honestly answer the question you may upset the individual, or make them angry, and your relationship with them could possibly change for the worse. On the other hand if you are honest, just as the person asked you to be, you could really be appreciated. Your discomfort will disappear and your relationship with them may even become stronger and closer! Confusing, isn’t it?
          Simeon told Mary and Joseph that, among a number of things, Jesus’ presence would reveal the inner thoughts of people. Whatever the true feelings were there would be those who would not praise Jesus. The ones who would follow Jesus, who would have faith in him, would become like him through his teaching and his example. They would reach out to others in love and compassion – and honesty. Like Jesus, those who reached out to others, could never really know how people would respond to them. Jesus was not loved by all. We will not be either. Yet Jesus did not hold his feelings for the children of God inside, and he loved them all anyway even when he suffered the most.
          During this time when we give thanks to God for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, let us reveal to others our true feelings, sharing with them the love for Jesus that we hold inside.
          Heather Rogers