I get calls around Christmas time for get togethers with family members. Normally I would like that. But there are times I just don't feel like being in a crowd and all the laughing and loud talking. So I tell the caller I don't feel up to it. They do not respect my feelings and keep trying to get me to come. I can understand it up to a point if they are young. They don't know yet what it's like to be a bit older and not feel like getting out at night and driving with bright lights blaring in your eyes and slick roads.
I was invited to a get together back in the summer when it was a hundred degrees with high humidity. I did not go to that one either. It's too hot and sticky having people hugging you and touching you for hours. I can't stand that. The kids want to hug and kiss me and I like that, but not when its that hot.
I've come to this conclusion. Do what is best for me no matter what they say. Don't let people push me into doing something that will be hard for me. Go when I feel good enough to enjoy the get together, not when I know I won't.
I have let people do this to me my whole life up to now. I have come to the place to do what I want to do and not what others want me to. This some how frees me and makes me feel better about myself. I'm tired of feeling like I have to do what others want me to, or they will not like me or talk bad about me. People are going to think and say what they want anyway.
Jesus was a man that didn't care what anyone thought of him. He said he must be about his Father's business. So that's what he did. I think we should be more like Him and let other stuff go. I'm going to be striving to be more like Jesus from now on and less like the world. This don't mean I won't ever attend a family gathering. Of course I will, but it will be on my terms from now on. I'm not going to be pressured about this anymore. Hope you will do the same and get free from family pressure.
Merry Christmas Everyone.
Read more articles by Ruth Napier or search for articles on the same topic or others.