Whether we live in small towns or big cities, defining our neighbor can be a bit of challenge. Who do we treat as beloved? Who do we look past? Especially at the busy holiday season, finding the face of God in the people around us can be difficult. There is so much to be done; being loving and open can feel like too much.

Today, as you go about your daily activities, observe your patterns of behavior. Try not to judge yourself, but simply pay attention and take note. At the end of the day try to answer the following questions:

1. Who did I greet with a sense of openness?
2. How did I treat those people?
3. Why?
4. Who did I close myself off from?
5. How did I treat those people?
6. Why?
7. Are there any patterns?
8. Are there groups of people or types of people I avoid?

Close your reflection with a prayer.

Loving God, whose greatest commandments were to love, help me to open my heart to all my neighbors. Give me eyes to see your face in each individual I encounter, ears to hear the stories and truths of all your children, hands to reach across the lines that divide me from others, and a heart prepared to welcome all as I would desire to be welcomed.

Amen