Holiday Greeting

I simply cannot believe we are at the end of another year. Nor can I believe that year is already 2009. Where has all the time gone? This time of year is always a period of reflection for me. As I look behind me, I am extremely grateful for the people and events that blessed me in 2009. Once again, I was fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing family and friends who truly “get it” and understand the importance – no, the NEED – to make a difference out there in the world in any way possible. My inner circle expanded significantly this year with some wonderful people who have enriched my life.

A week doesn’t go by without me making a connection or a contact somewhere in the world that seems to contribute to the building of that perfect beast. I find myself constantly surrounded by selfless greatness. The kind of people who are accomplishing huge things yet who are doing so for no other reason than they are able and feel the need to help. Dave Roberts was a long time Philadelphia area news guy at our local ABC affiliate who just retired after over 30 year in this market and 50 years in the business. He summed things up quite succinctly when he said that if you give of yourself and give unconditionally, expect nothing in return, and don’t take yourself too seriously, you will never be unhappy. I can’t say it any better than that.

I know life can get crazy and sometimes it seems like we belong to everyone else but ourselves. People often tell me that they would love to do such and such but they just don’t have the time. And you can fill the blank with just about anything from volunteering to running a marathon, to taking flute lessons, to whatever. It really doesn’t matter. We ALL have a little more time. We may not see it through the weeds of our current schedules, but we can always find a little more time. Quite frankly, I don’t care who you are or what you do, show me your schedules, tell me your dream, and I will find time in your day. The key is not to be afraid to find that time, as many people are. Of course it is easier to “not have the time”, than to work hard at achieving something with the risk of failing. If I were to actually sit down and document each and everything thing that I “do” or am involved with in some way, I would make my own head spin completely off of my shoulders. You have the time to make yourself and everyone around you a little bit better. Do the world a favor and make that your New Year’s resolution.

The fact that we are already at the end of the year should be a reminder of how quickly everything can pass us by. In times of pain and anguish, just remember that the storm will pass. It has to, it always has since the beginning of time. But also be sure to embrace the good times, and those people who have helped make those times good. Although they too will pass, allow them to leave a much more permanent imprint on your soul than the dark times. You can control that.

We control more of our own happiness than we realize. We don’t need a magic carpet to arrive to deliver the happy dust. We don’t need to win the lottery. We don’t need the nicest car on the block or the latest and greatest electronic toy. Happiness isn’t about how many expensive things we own or how many good things can happen to a person. Sadness isn’t about all of the bad “stuff” that can happen. We own those emotions. We own them through the choices that we make. We own them by how we handle what does happen to us – both good and bad.  We own them by understanding who is under our own skin and who is in our own hearts.

So here is to the celebration of the accomplishments of 2009. And to the wide open abundance of hope and possibility that a new year can bring. I wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday and even more of the same in 2010.

Before I go, I wanted to share something that was passed onto me at work. I don’t know the original author personally, but I think her message is a great one and worthy of sharing regardless of your background, affiliation, denomination, eye color, or shoe size. I’m sure Ms. Jaynes won’t mind.

 
1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

©By Sharon Jaynes
 
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family – It profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.  Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust.  But giving the gift of love will endure.
 
Merry Christmas to you all.