DECEMBER 24, 2020
What a great time of the year. I hope each one of you can take the time to slow down and reflect on what the season means to you and those you love. Growing up in Kearney, Nebraska, this time of year was certainly a peak experience in my life. A peaceful time, not just focusing so much on giving and receiving gifts, but truly taking time to sing, dance, laugh, cry, & celebrate the loving SPIRIT of the season. “Catch the Spirit” was the slogan. What does that spirit mean to YOU this season? How are you preparing?
I used to be enamored with TV commercials where many advertisers tried to sell you on their particular product and that “life wouldn’t be complete” unless you had one (or more) of whatever they were peddling. When we were kids, it might have been a hula hoop, a bicycle or a new pair of socks. There would be those little things like a puzzle, a book, a toy gun, more rubber army men, Lincoln Logs, or plastic bricks for learning how to build. (Legos today) They even would entice you with “The GIFT that keeps on giving.” Back then, it just happened to be a watch. (Timex; “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” which of course is fleeting. Ha!) Maybe there were practical and useful gifts at the time but usually something that would eventually wear out, be thrown away, recycled or fade away. The only thing it might leave is a great memory or the spirit of giving and receiving along with what it might represent as a symbol of LOVE.
If you really grasp the spirit, hopefully it is one of HOPE and LOVE. LOVE fueled by HOPE of better things to come. Today, yours truly has all of the material gifts (and more) of those things that are supposed to make one happy and fulfilled. The problem is, while “things” might make us happy for a moment in time, will it make us happy tomorrow or when it is thrown away or destroyed? Will it last forever? Think about that one for a while.
Try thinking more about LOVE. It is all around you and yet we spend more of our time worrying about the THINGS we have or don’t have in life. (Distractions) This season, please check out what LOVE means to you and your family. It is one of the “greatest gifts ever” and the most powerful weapon in the world. If you give LOVE, you also need to accept LOVE. “Catch the Spirit.” Remember that you are loved regardless of WHO you are or pretend to be.
Here are a 12 things you might reflect on with those that you love and that love you:
- LOVE never gives up, (Perseverance)
- LOVE cares more for others than for themselves, (Heart)
- LOVE doesn’t want what it doesn’t have; (Fulfillment & Serenity)
- LOVE is aligned with truth so LOVE isn’t deceptive; (Sincerity)
- LOVE doesn’t have a swollen head, (Pride & Ego)
- LOVE doesn’t force itself on others; (Humble & Kind)
- LOVE isn’t always “Me First;” (Selfishness)
- LOVE doesn’t fly off the handle; (Anger, Wrath or Rage)
- LOVE doesn’t keep score of the sins of others; (Resentment, Envy, Jealousy)
- LOVE puts up with anything; (Amor Fati)
- LOVE always looks for and believes the best in themselves and others; (Understanding) and finally,
- LOVE never looks back, but keeps going to the end. (Commitment)
As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us be mindful of and enjoy the “Reason for the Season.” Try giving the gift of love by writing a simple note or letter to those you love. Maybe it is as simple as gratitude for being in your life. Make it from the HEART and not just a store bought card. It just may turn out to be something that will stand the test of time and be “The Greatest Gift Ever.” “Christ is the reason for the season.”
Elevator Guy