This is supposed to be the most joyful time of year. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus as the Christ. Some people are celebrating Hanukkah, others are celebrating Kwanzaa, and some people just want to celebrate the commercial side of this time of year.
For some people, this is the most wonderful time of the year just because they have life, health and strength. Every day is a day of celebration because they are blessed to wake up and see a brand new day. There are people who will be observing the holidays for the first time after losing a loved one, breaking off a relationship, unemployed, facing illness and a myriad of other life events.
So what is one to do? It is very simple, just be a blessing to someone all year long. Believe it or not, not all people are looking for a hand-out. Someone needs a card that encourages. Someone needs an invite for dinner. Someone needs a smile as you pass them on the street. Someone is looking for ANYONE to just say hello, how are you are doing?
It really isn't hard. Why do the good feelings of the season go away right after the start of the new year? Why can't we smile at each other all year long, send that card all year long, invite someone over all year long? Is it because we are a selfish people? Is it because we ourselves need someone to bless us? Do we have something to hide - hurt, guilt, shame? No, I don't think that's the answer. I would like to offer up this thought: it's too much trouble to sit down and write out an envelope, put a stamp on it and go to the mail box. It's too much trouble to invite that person over because we are afraid they will put a damper on the atmosphere. Is it too hard to pick up a phone and call someone.
To be transparent - I can't stand texting, emailing or attaching a picture when it's someone's birthday, holiday, special event or whatever deserves my time. There is nothing like getting that piece of mail when I walk to the mailbox and realize there is something more than bills inside. My wife thinks I am crazy when I get a card in the mail. I light up like Time Square when something comes in the mail that isn't a bill. Maybe that's why I mail out so many Christmas cards, birthday cards, anniversary cards, etc..
How about this, if you bless someone - you will be blessed in return. It might not be in the same manner, but you will be blessed. I like Jane Seymour's tag line: "if you open you heart, love will find it's way in." That is so true. It's not just about the gift you can go out and purchase - yes that helps, but it's about us giving our time and attention to someone.
People deserve to have a bright spot in their day. I get cards when they go on sale and use them all year long. The bookstores (Christian and secular) are loaded with cards on sale. To answer my own question - is this the most wonderful time of the year? Yes, primarily because of the birth of Jesus, not because of Santa Claus. However, every day should be a day of Thanksgiving. Every time I open my eyes in the morning, I realize that I have new mercies, new grace, new favor, another chance to get it right, one more day closer to feeling great health.
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