Let me begin by wishing everyone a very merry Christmas.  And since it is Christmas, how can I not write something about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Throughout His life Jesus gave many examples of how we are to live. He taught us love, forgiveness, redemption and ultimate sacrifice.  But there is a lesson he taught us even at birth that we don't talk a great deal about.  Humility.  The Son of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and here he was, born in a barn, wrapped in strips of cloth, surrounded by farm animals.  He was the epitome of humility at birth, and at death. So as we move forward, as we try to be more like Him and less like us, remember in all things to be humble.
   Often I find myself thinking about life and all the little lessons we learn or ignore until we are forced to learn. I thought about how we are all family, whether by blood, friendship, or mere acquaintance. In some form or fashion we are all connected. We all serve a purpose in God's plan.  Even those that refuse to accept Him, serve in His purpose. The people who come into your life, whether long term or just momentarily, serve a purpose.  The coworker you can't seem to make yourself like. The neighbor that makes you want to slap the devil out of him, or her. The rude cashiers, maniac drivers and everyone else that annoy you to no end.  They all serve a purpose in your life. So the next time one of these people crosses your path,  remind yourself that they are just serving a purpose.  Nothing comes into your life by chance.  All things are purposed by Him. "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:39.  Humility.