You must have heard of the truck driver who got stuck at a low bridge. He miscalculated the height of the bridge and could not go through it. Scratching his head, he was wondering what to tell the boss and the owner of its precious contents in case a huge damage is incurred on his freight. A boy who was passing by suggested: “Sir, maybe try deflating your tyres. At least you could save the goods.”
Every day, somehow, we are called to ‘deflate our tyres’ in however form this message calls us out. But for me, it is at Christmas time I struggle yet need it most. Deflating my tyres daily can mean the choice to be forgiving, to be humble, simple, life-giving to others. “Deflating your tyres” to some of us could mean looking deeply into the issue of the ego.
Everyone has an ego. According to Sigmund Freud, it is the part of our personality that mediates the demands of basic part of our personality, the id, to fulfil our most primal needs and the super-ego, that is the moralistic part of us. It is the ego’s job to strike a balance between these two often competing forces.
Learning about the positive work of the ego and harnessing it can be a wonderful way to learn about oneself and gain a greater understanding of others, making us more effective and successful in relating to people around us.
Deflating my tyres at Christmas could mean many things. There are a lot of voices trying to drown the real message of Christmas. How can I sort them out? I would love to enjoy the Spirit of Christmas and what it brings.
For many years now, I have experienced the season in its changing hues, varied colours, its highs and lows, that at my age I am not sure really how I can spend it most fruitfully. Surely there will be family meals, gatherings with friends, presents and gifts to worry about and wrap, giving to the needy, liturgical celebrations and spiritual reflections, but I yearn to grow deeper for the nourishment of my soul and spirit.
I was praying for inspiration and a reflective message popped out on my screen. The Lord is inspiringly helpful and encouraging. I have contemplated on retiring from writing my monthly column, proposing to myself that I have exhausted all that I need to share to others and someone else can take over. Still, the Lord continues to stir me with a message and this is what He is offering me for this Season.
“There are three words to ponder today: humility, simplicity and sincerity. Humble souls see and know God because they do not turn to themselves in their need. They recognise that God is everything and, without Him, they are nothing. Simple souls do not get caught up in the complications of life. They are able to cut through the countless distractions and live a childlike trust in God. Sincere souls are honest souls who are pure in heart and pure in their intentions. Be honest and truthful in your Christian walk and God will overwhelm all that is not of Him in your life.” (Saint Faustina)
The message urges me to ponder these three gifts: humility, simplicity and sincerity. How well can I live them in my life? I am urged that if one stands out as the most challenging, then to sit with that for a while and let God speak to me as I open my heart to His Mercy.
My prayer for my readers is that as we open ourselves to the gifts of humility, simplicity and sincerity, find room for the Lord Jesus to touch us deeply, not only at Christmas but every day, especially during those moments that our tyres are so inflated that we could no longer see the truth about ourselves.
Jesus showed us that our lives need not be complex, and that we can still change the world and make a difference by being humble, simple and sincere. And the bonus? No excess baggage to carry!
I wish you all a very blessed Christmas and may the New Year bring you closer to your dreams, aspirations and greater love for others. Thank you for your loving patronage, prayers and support! God bless us all.
