The Gift of Gratitude

Photo Source: Lantlif

And so, we finally arrive at the eve of the long awaited day. The mantles have been decorated, the wreaths have been hung, the trees have been trimmed and the packages have been wrapped in preparation for the big day.

In what may seem an overwhelming sea of errands, responsibilities, and that niggling desire to make those we love happy, it's easy to lose track of what truly matters. The traffic lights, and the crowds are all behind us now. In less than forty-eight hours it will all be a blur.

This has been a difficult year for many. Jobs and homes have been lost, and something ominous is knocking at the door of our country in a way that our generation has never seen. Yet we find ourselves on the threshold of one of the most hopeful holidays known to mankind.

I have a Christmas challenge for you. Do whatever you must over the next two days, but at some point endeavor to carve out five minutes of your scarce time. Find a place away from the hustle and bustle, and simply be quiet. Be still. Let all the trappings of the day slide away. Forget about the dishes, the stuffing that was too dry, a rude uncle, the child who wasn't grateful enough.

Allow the excitement, the frustration, and the celebrating to slide away, and look at what lies beneath. That's where we find what truly matters: family, friends, compassion, the husband who was faithful, the sick child who recovered, the son who will go off to college next year, the grandmother who is with us for another season. Try not to let this holiday pass into the night without a moment of contemplation. Give yourself the gift of gratitude this year. That is my wish for you.

Thank you for stopping by this fledgling site. Merry Christmas to you and yours.