Proverbs 18:2 (ESV)
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Went to the mall yesterday to get some traditional christmas gifts for the family. First time I’ve been to the mall in a couple of years. What a freaking zoo. 40% off outrageously priced product, blah, blah, blah. Freaking out over Christmas is a pastime for some folks. The reason for the season is lost, blah, blah, blah. Recycled “insights” and laments.

Matthew 19:30 (NIV)
30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Running on a hamster wheel as fast as I can and wonder why the world looks the same. It’s time to get off and take a good look at the contraption. It ain’t good for moving forward. It’s just a distraction to keep us from our real purpose.

John 1:14 (MSG)
14 The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

So, I wonder when we stop and take a look at our neighbors, and our special neighbor who calls us off the hamster wheel. Is your head full of – ummm, well – junk? Clutter? Landmines? You and your fears? Good grief! How many years will this go on? Stop. Get off the hamster wheel.

The Word became flesh and blood and move into the ‘hood. He’s here! Your neighbor! Go talk to Him and listen, understand. Don’t be a fool and only express your own opinion. FREAKING LISTEN to the Word. The word of love, the word of reason. The word of the season. The word of the Lord. If you can’t live it, you’re as described above in Proverbs – a fool.

So, meet your neighbor, especially the one who helps us get off the hamster wheel. Load up your wallet with $5’s and $10’s, McDonalds gift cards, etc. Put it in the hands of the frozen beggar just trying to get a meal. Put it in the kettle. Buy groceries for the person in front of you paying with food stamps. Volunteer at the shelter every week. Shovel someone elses driveway. Serve. Serve. Serve. Not for you, but for your neighbor.

Get off the hamster wheel and sell it to some fool.