Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Celebrate The Season

As much as I hate to admit this I'm just not into the Christmas cheer this year. I've gotten phone calls from family, dinner invites from friends and holiday notes from strangers but still, it's just not there. I've even tried listening to Christmas music, shopping for gifts, and driving through neighborhoods just to see some sign of big, fat Santa. But still, there's nothing. So what is it about this year that makes it any different from the rest? Nothing has changed, what's the big deal? It's just another day. Or is it? Unfortunately, for some of us, it just can't be. Not when we're constantly hearing all of the bad news about the economy and job or housing loss. Not when our country is in a financial mess. Yet, everything I shared whether it relates to me or not really does affect me. It affects the people that I love and the world around me. When I stop and think about how fortunate I am I get overwhelmed and am simply amazed. Last week I drove through a rainstorm in a car that had a leak so deep in the sun roof that I could have gone swimming. And yet, I remembered the person who stood in the rain with no shelter at all because they no longer had a car. I got a call from a friend who loss her job after having worked there for only 3 months, and I thought to myself, that could have been me. The amount of grace we receive in times like these are nothing short of a miracle. We are able to eat outside of garbage cans while others are eating garbage just to survive. We are resting our heads in warm beds at night while others lay on payment. But, we pay more attention to the things that we have not received without even saying thanks for the things that we do. This year Christmas will be all about that for me. Giving thanks for life, health and breath, breaking bread with family and offering a hand and an ear to those who need it most. For as long as I can, wherever I can, my plan is to dew a new thing.

4 comments:

Sonia said...

That's a great reminder of the intangible things that are most important in life. Often times, we get so caught up in the trivial and superficial that we miss out on so many amazing opportunities. Too much time stressing about money or things outside of our control. When there are so many people wondering how they will pay their rent or mortgages next month. I have to admit, this year, I'm buying very few gifts. I really want to spend quality time with my family and friends. Just kickin it, and thanking the creator for all of the many blessings that have been bestowed on me. None of us knows what tomorrow may bring, or next year. We just have to learn to be thankful for what we have today, and learn how to do the best that we can one day at a time.

Sonia

Keisha said...

Tis the season to be jolly! Yes I am thankful for the priceless gifts god has given me, just like you I am thinking of others such as that poor man who was trampled to death at Walmart, just so someone can get a deal on a plasma television. I am also thinking of lives taken in Mumbai, India and the great dangers we face just by walking out of our door. When I think of gods blessings, I began to sing to myself that new song by Hezekiah Walker...I think its called, Grateful. Nothing I have done can equate what god has done for me, but he does it for me anyway despite myself. God Bless You.

Keisha said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sonia said...

That's why a thankful spirit will always be in season. The creator provides and blesses mankind in spite of us.

Sonia