Merry Christmas!
Sorry for the delay in posting, it’s been crazy! However, when is it not?
This time of the year is a favorite time for many, myself included, whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, none of the above, or all of the above. It’s the wrap to another year, a celebration of life, and the Season of Giving, and #givingback.
I have learned over the years that it’s not about worldly possessions. I love the giving and what it does for so many others. When we all get wrapped up (no pun intended) in our daily lives, plus trying to make a living, then we mix in the holiday season with all the shopping, parties, cooking, we (I) seem to lose track of the meaning of this season. When I was taught that Joseph, Mary and Jesus were turned away and spent that night in a manger, I didn’t understand. Now as I look back, I see why this is important for “giving”. It isn’t always convenient, isn’t always as we planned, but always makes a difference, to someone.
Today is Christmas, the finale to the Season of Giving. We have many opportunities to give this time of year. I ask that we all try to give that extended hand, not just today, but truly make an effort in the coming year, all year. Let’s get out of our comfort zone, find a way to make a difference. It doesn’t have to be monetary. It can be time, gestures, a call to someone who is lonely or who has lost a loved one. Give them the most precious gift: time. Should you see someone in passing, make eye contact and wish them the best. Drop a note to that someone you need to reconnect with long gone from the past, or even perhaps the person with whom you may need to mend that “broken fence”. (Try the Angel Biscuits!). Share that dollar with someone who has taken the courage to ask for assistance or whom has let pride stand in their way of asking. I know we are often reluctant to give because we are skeptical of the true need of those to whom we are giving. To this I would have to quote Matthew saying, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for me.” Give without expecting anything in return.
Personally, I’m attempting all the above, and I’m calling it the “Season of Gestures”. So, during this favorite time of the year, I challenge you step out of your comfort zone - make a commitment to put your best foot forward in this coming year, and go make a difference! I assure you it will make a difference to you, as well!
I wish you all happy times with friends and family, great food, good memories and a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and a blessed New Year!
YeeHaw!