Are You Nicer This Time of Year? I Hope Not!

Excluding Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping (don't get me started on that), people are for the most part noticeable nicer this year. I've noticed... Have you? It seems more likely that someone will take my cart while I pack my car, or let me in their lane (I know...) My kid loves dogs right now. She will stand at our front door and stare and shout "Duu!" at people throwing their Frisbees with their dogs. This time of year I have more walks with people who will stop and let my kid play with their dog and chat with me. It just seems people are more inclined in some small but significant way to lift my spirits or ease my life a bit. Significant, because although the act may be small, the very fact that it is occurring makes it significant because these things just don't happen too often. I've taken the opportunity to be nicer this time of year as well. I ride mountain bikes and keep tools in my car. Not too long ago I drove by a man struggling with the chain on his bike so I threw on the hazards, got out  and got him running again. Not a huge deal. But I'm not positive I would have stopped had it not been December. It's not because I'm filled with Christmas cheer or whatever. I'm nicer because I know it won't freak people out as much. They expect it... It's the season. If I stop and chat or take their cart back, it's not as awkward, because it's December and it's ok to go a bit further this month. It made me think...  

Why have I not been insanely nice year round? It's because I don't want to freak people out. It's awkward to go above and beyond in April or August because people don't expect it... We all get what's going on in December. There's an understanding between people. That's just not the case the rest of the year. Which is exactly why I should be awkwardly, freakishly nice year round. People, don't expect it, so when it does occur... sure it's awkward, but it's also really cool. Now don't get the idea that I'm arguing for "Nice Act Evangelism" or whatever you want to call it. You know what I mean. The thought that if we're really different and really nice to people, they'll notice and ask us what makes us so different. Seriously, has this ever happened to anyone?

We are to be this way because it's what Christ calls us to. He tells us to be over the top nice to all people, all year. Even those we don't agree with. Who don't see it like we do.  Even those who can't stand us. Especially those guys. We're to act this way because the rest of the world doesn't. But it's not just going to happen. None of us will ever drift towards holiness. We've got to be intentional about it. I've got to leave my house early so that if I see someone, I'll not be able to use time as an excuse. I've got to look for those people with the cart return a mile away. I've got to go outside and engage those dog/frisbee people in the park and let their dog lick my kid's face so that we can meet and chat. I've got to be prepared. Because I know me, and my selfishness will attempt to justify not helping, not stopping. It'll give me a reason to ignore and move on.

So are you nicer this time of year? I have been... But I don't want to be. I want to be this way all the time. Even when it's awkward... Especially then.