Christmas Day 2011

This year is different in so many ways. The simplest way to explain the differences is that time has changed my perspective. Our lives change & subtly, so do the major holidays. We’re each making choices to live our lives and spend our holidays differently than we used to. As nice as it’d be to have everyone together again, I think we’re all happier with the way it is – with each of us doing what we enjoy and what is possible at this stage in our lives.

I’m thankful to have my family and friends – the ones I know who truly care about me are the ones who’ve been there for me through good times and bad.  You actually tell me or show me that you care about me, unlike other people who just claim we’re friends but then never do anything about it. The holidays are a time to show the ones you love just how much you love them – not by the number of gifts, but by the quality of time you spend with them.  If you can’t spend the holidays with certain people, a few simple words will definitely go a long way and can make all the difference to someone. It’s not just during the holidays though that a few simple nice gestures will make a difference. A few kind words always make a positive difference especially when it’s least expected.

The "W" in Christmas - Anonymous

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the
precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.

For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.

All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.

Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minute early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is.

Amazed in His presence……humbled by His love.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON!

 

Poem: Habitat for Humanity: Spring Break Collegiate Challenge 2007

One week shared

on a mission under God’s eye

We are his hands in helping others

coming together to change a life

and we change each other’s too
Friendships made—for a lifetime?

Only time will tell,

or maybe just a brief passing

who came to us for a reason

to prove we have a strong connection

we didn’t know existed at first.

We were almost strangers

who chose to spend a week

doing something for a good cause

and we’ve come out with such a

great satisfaction and brand new friendships

                -maybe for a lifetime?

We walk away with so much positive energy

I smile wide, I nod

and I am so genuinely happy

All so happy with being accepted 

Maybe this time…

maybe this time I can take this beautiful chance

this opportunity to run

and begin a new life

Thank you for the inspiration…

Poem: Time Marches On

taken back so many years, so long ago

memory fails us as humans

how must I remember?

how must I still feel that?

confusion rages my heart, mind, and soul

as it all turns to words on a page

pen to paper

mind to matter

and memory fades

as the clock ticks on to the future

time marches on

time marches on

and we see how life changes overall

and people continue to wait for it

                for the second coming

some say that some revelation is at hand

but as we wait, the winds blow on

the river still runs and the rain still falls

sunshine will return again tomorrow

as the moon holds her own tonight

                amongst the bright sparkling stars

shining through the everlasting clouds

time marches on

time marches on

and things seem to fall apart

shall things further fall

or shall a second coming satisfy those who’ve long awaited?

must humanity suffer for many more millennia

must we fight and kill

over who is right and who is wrong?

we all get judged in the end

so what does it matter who judges now?

why are we so different?

you’re right, I’m right

just different, not wrong

or maybe we are more similar than we realize?

some understand

                some accept

                                some overcome

yet some will fight and kill

time marches on

time marches on

some force beliefs on others

some turn the other cheek

so different, yet so similar that we conflict over those minute differences

                big deal? Yes.

illusions are apparent; arise again and again

experiences define who we are

we interpret it all so differently

sometimes pain. always hurt..

the memory still exists of all who’re lost

                can the heartache ever be eased?

in time it will be forgotten

and only then will the sun and moon remain

Time marches on

Time marches on