"Running Commentary"
Families, Trees, Gifts
Seasons pass more quickly the older we get; but childhood memories of Christmas remain fresh and indelible. For most of us, those memories are warm and wonderful – families coming together to celebrate Christmas around a beautiful, spangled tree with lights so bright they dazzled our childhood vision.
If you think about it, families have quite a bit in common with trees. Both are living and breathing organisms with deep, abiding roots. Both lose leaves as seasons change but grow new branches. Our children and grandchildren.
Families and trees both embody the eternal cycle of life, death and new birth.
At no time are we more aware of change than during the holiday season, when families traditionally gather for happy festivities and feasting. Sadly, for many families, that won’t happen in 2020. Yet, we remember also that some family gatherings are bittersweet, mourning those no longer with us. Many families have lost a loved one from the terrible pandemic we’ve muddled through.
The pangs of such a loss are poignant and more intense during the holidays. And yet, with each passing season, we adjust and learn to cope. Everything in its time. The departed are always with us, in our hearts. We strive to accept that which we can neither change nor control.
The hurt never leaves, but with time, we accept it better.
It’s with the living that we share family warmth and new experiences – those new branches to our family tree. It’s like adding new photos to an evolving family album – we don’t replace old memories; rather, we add to the album by making new memories.
Life doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It constantly evolves.
As for myself, I have been adding memories to my own family album, spending time throughout the pandemic season living near my Mother, allowing me to help out as needed. I’m blessed to have such an incredible mother who has been so vibrant and healthy throughout her 100 years on the planet.
Meanwhile – it’s been a rough 2020, hasn’t it? A year like no other. Are you ready to open your gifts? This would be a good time. Have a seat … the fireplace is aglow and there’s plenty of hot chocolate and spiked eggnog for everyone. Myself, I’m opening a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Two glasses of that and I’d probably sleep until New Year’s.
Is everyone settled?
PEACE is my first gift to you. Probably half the Christmas cards sent out each year rhapsodize about “Peace on earth.” It’s a laudable thought, but in recorded history there have been precious few eras historians would characterize as peaceful.
We both know the world is a mess. So realistically, i can’t give you peace on Earth. The peace I offer is the internal kind –a peaceful spirit. May you enjoy the holidays with a sense of peace within your heart.
Peace be with you. Not just with you, but within you.
It’s there, deep inside each of us. You only have to let go of your anxieties, fears and anger to find it. This holiday season, may you find your own peaceful spirit.
Be tolerant of others and slow to anger. Be at peace this Christmas.
JOY is my second gift. It’s ironic that so many people become sad and depressed during the holidays. Sensitivities are heightened, bringing out the deepest family emotions.
May I offer a gentle admonition? Snap out of it!
Try not to dwell on what’s wrong with your life or what’s missing. Instead, think about all you have to be thankful for. No matter how sad things seem, you surely have goodness in your life, things you’re thankful for. Dwell on those. Dwell on the goodness.
Find the joy in your heart and wring it out for all it’s worth. Be joyful, for there are people who love you and care about you. Within everyone is a joyous spirit to behold.
LOVE is my final gift. The apostle Paul wrote, “Love is patient and kind. It is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”
That’s my prayer for you – that you have love in your heart. Love for everyone around you, love for your family and friends at work. And especially, love for others who are less fortunate.
Open your heart to others. Everyone needs love. Share some of that which has been given to you. This Christmas, tell someone who least expects it that you love them. Savor the surprised smile you created.
Well, there you have it. Three gifts – peace, joy and love. If you were hoping for a fat wad of cash? Sorry. Money comes and goes … only love endures.
From my blessed and thankful heart to yours – Merry Christmas.
God bless.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE … Erstwhile columnist. Boulder McGraw would like to add his own personal holiday wish to all his loyal readers. Barked as follows – “Woof!” (Bull Terrier) … “Woooo-uf” … (Tex-Mex Chihuahua) … “Weuf! Mon Cherie.” (French Poodle) … “Rldttvinichla!” (Norwegian Elkhound) … “Grrrrrrr!” (Amarillo Rottweiler). To the charge of showing off, Boulder pleads, “Guilty!” And “Merry Christmas to all.”
AND DON’T FORGET … This Sunday, Michael will be playing live piano during brunch at Jitters. Support our local coffee house – come out and get your caffeine fix. Say hello!