It’s Nov. 8 and my next article is due on the 10th. Hey, I’m half a day ahead of my usual schedule (half day because it’s 6 p.m.).
Anyway, I thought it would be a good time to write about the upcoming holidays. By the time you read this you will have given thanks and starting the end-of-year holiday scramble.
I could do the typical cliches – Be of good cheer, Deck the halls, Peace on earth, You better not pout, I’m telling you why, See ya next year… well you get the idea.
I thought it would be better to reflect back on this past year. I certainly hope your reflections all show a very good year past.
Barb and I have had a great year and are very thankful to be part of the community. We have great new friends. Hava Java is doing great, and we have our health. Our kids and friends all have their health as well. Although I did lose a close friend in a motorcycle accident, I think of Mike and his family often.
But life continues and I must concentrate on the positives. I think that is the true spirit of the season. Being thankful for the little everyday blessings and small positives. If you can do that, you’ll find that you don’t really need the big ones.
John Mayall wrote in his 1989 song, I Can’t Complain:
It’s how you look at it, your attitude.
You can’t get through life without some gratitude. You can always make a list of what’s going wrong, But your list of blessings will be twice as long! For those old school British blues fans out there – this quote portrays my thoughts for the season of the best this year. I think if we can move into the holidays with that message, your burdens will be lighter, your thoughts clearer, and holidays a bit more special.
So, going into this season, forget talking about politics at the holiday dinner table and feel blessed that you are with family and friends. Forget about the interest rates and the news of the day. Forget about the things you wish would have happened this year and show gratitude for what did.
Think about the ones we lost and say a small prayer for them. And always remember, the lack of the negative constitutes the positive. Even the littlest of things can be a blessing (and believe me, they are). If you let these burdens go, your mind will be clear. Then the holidays and life suddenly take on a greater meaning.
Barb and I truly hope that when you read this that your year has been a good one and that your holidays are memorable. God Bless
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