December 3, 2008
December Thoughts…
Through sights, sounds, and smells—the month of December brings moments of nostalgia and new opportunities for gatherings of loved ones, both family and friends.This year, when times are difficult for so many and it seems harder to find things for which to be thankful, I’m reminded of one of my favorite books, Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol," the much-loved story about one dismally selfish man’s eventual acceptance of the Divine gift of love and how, through such a miracle, it changes his life and the lives of those around him forever.Love and the spirit of giving is, indeed, very contagious. Its grace–shown through A simple smile, an act of kindness given to a stranger–can cause a rippling effect like those in a pool of water, spreading ever outward. And no matter how subtle or how small, those ripples are extremely powerful for those who’ve given as well as those who receive them.Through all the glitter of the holidays, all the different ethnic celebrations; candle lighting, singing of beautiful songs, hopeful reconciliation between those who are estranged; through regrets and loneliness, thankfulness and joy; the drama of office parties and reunions with those we love, and thoughtful re-acquaintance with our own inner truths—it is this one thing, this one constant–to which I hang on with all my spirit–that I know will help to carry me through to the end of this year and into the next and well beyond: Love. May the peace of this special season stay with us now and forever.
