“Do not wait until Christmas to spread a little cheer,
people appreciate kindness, all through of the year.”
― Charmaine J. Forde
The bells in the clock tower at the church not far from our house are playing Christmas music at the top of the hour. It was a comforting sound, ringing out across the valley as I began this cold and rainy day here in Texas. There is even talk of snow flurries later today. I am very thankful I can stay home–the roads will not be a pretty sight if they begin to freeze.
The weather certainly encouraged a day of rest and reflection. Okay. Honestly, it was no different from any other day for me–it just gave me a very handy excuse.
As I watched the rainfall, two things came to mind.
My first thought streamed in after I picked up what little mail we get these days. The wonderful thing about this time of year is we actually get real mail from real people. It is the best gift. If you have not sent a card or a letter lately, now is a very opportune time to brighten someone’s day.
As I read our cards, I thought back to the years I’d complained about all the cards I had to send out to relatives. Today I’d be thrilled to have the chance to send holiday cheer to them. The pages in my address book of relatives have disappeared, leaving me sighing, shaking my head, and regretting I’d spent so little time and effort staying in touch with them. Learn from my neglect. Reach out and spread some win/win joy, to those receiving your Christmas greetings and to yourself as you send out your love.
My second memory came more subtly. Many years ago, I took a self-confidence class. One of the exercises given was to compliment three people a day for a week. If you’ve never done that, try it. The results, both to the person you compliment and to yourself for those few words of praise, are incredible. If you take that a step further, give the gift of kindness this Christmas. It costs nothing but may mean everything to the person you bestow your words upon. A simple card with a statement about what you admire about them. If that’s a hard assignment to tackle, take a different route by thanking them for something they did to help you this past year. It may be something they did so automatically they were unaware of how important it was for you. If you want to add another dimension to the exercise, sent out your cards anonymously. Grow this Christmas season. With a full and grateful heart, care and share.
“To the American People: Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.
Presidential message, December 25, 1927”
― Calvin Coolidge
As I type tonight I’m hearing the news about the fires in California. My prayers are being said as I finish my story. I ask for you to join me.
I am…
B…simply being…
Care, share, and pray.
Peace
B...simply being... 