Let me start by saying, I am not a scrooge, nor do I have a “Bah, humbug” attitude toward the Holiday season. I do, however, wish there was a little more emphasis on the blessing and a little less on the shopping. I just think it might cut a bit of the pressure and stress many people feel at the Holidays.
For two months we’re bombarded by TV commercials, emails, catalogs, storefronts, carols and radio music – everywhere you turn – constant messages assuring unending joy during this, “The Hap-happiest Time of the Year!” Because, it’s obvious, we are all entitled, pre-ordained, obligated and guilt-tripped into believing this sense of Christmas euphoria is why we were put on this earth. And, so, if for some reason you are not happy – and I mean, by God, truly happy! -- then there’s definitely something wrong with you.
I’m sorry? What?
You’re out of work? Your loved one is serving in the Military overseas? The Holiday money you worked so hard to save was needed to keep the car running? You’re not sure of where you and the family will sleep tonight? Or how late the mission stays open so you can have something to eat? Your son’s two-size-too-big snow boots will have to be his Air Jordan’s again this year? A lingering illness has drained you of energy, time and money? If you can’t come up with $60 by Monday they’ll shut the heat off?
But… But… Setting all that aside for a moment -- It’s the Holidays!!
Yes, it is. Which means, there’s no better time than now to count our blessings and share the so much we have with those who have so little.
I believe it’s difficult to walk past a homeless man and think to yourself, “He’s so hard to buy for. He has everything.”
Or seeing a woman with a small child pushing a borrowed grocery cart stuffed with everything they own and thinking, “I’m not sure she could fit in one more thing.”
Try passing a couple outside a mission and thinking, “If they can afford cigarettes, than they can afford their own home, car and insurance.”
Well, maybe. Maybe not. In any event, in a world that could use a bit more balance, I hope this season finds the less fortunate enjoying a safer, warmer and happier Holiday because the more fortunate cared.
How about that?
For two months we’re bombarded by TV commercials, emails, catalogs, storefronts, carols and radio music – everywhere you turn – constant messages assuring unending joy during this, “The Hap-happiest Time of the Year!” Because, it’s obvious, we are all entitled, pre-ordained, obligated and guilt-tripped into believing this sense of Christmas euphoria is why we were put on this earth. And, so, if for some reason you are not happy – and I mean, by God, truly happy! -- then there’s definitely something wrong with you.
I’m sorry? What?
You’re out of work? Your loved one is serving in the Military overseas? The Holiday money you worked so hard to save was needed to keep the car running? You’re not sure of where you and the family will sleep tonight? Or how late the mission stays open so you can have something to eat? Your son’s two-size-too-big snow boots will have to be his Air Jordan’s again this year? A lingering illness has drained you of energy, time and money? If you can’t come up with $60 by Monday they’ll shut the heat off?
But… But… Setting all that aside for a moment -- It’s the Holidays!!
Yes, it is. Which means, there’s no better time than now to count our blessings and share the so much we have with those who have so little.
I believe it’s difficult to walk past a homeless man and think to yourself, “He’s so hard to buy for. He has everything.”
Or seeing a woman with a small child pushing a borrowed grocery cart stuffed with everything they own and thinking, “I’m not sure she could fit in one more thing.”
Try passing a couple outside a mission and thinking, “If they can afford cigarettes, than they can afford their own home, car and insurance.”
Well, maybe. Maybe not. In any event, in a world that could use a bit more balance, I hope this season finds the less fortunate enjoying a safer, warmer and happier Holiday because the more fortunate cared.
How about that?
