This time of year is so special. Magical, in fact. The holidays tend to bring out the best in people. Somehow, we muster the humanity to be a little kinder to others. We are helpful to strangers. We feed the hungry. We clothe the tattered. We sing more. We laugh a little heartier. We love more. The outcome is a life lived more generously. In the past, I have shared with some that I grew up in a family that lived the Christmas Spirit each and every day. I was taught to live more generously everyday. Giving when we can and where needed is what we did. It is what we still do. Loving others enough to share food and clothing when in need and not waiting upon a holiday or react to a national disaster is the hallmark of my family. I am so incredibly grateful for these values instilled in me. I am, honestly, really proud of my family. My mother and maternal grandmother were the backbone of our small but running-over-with-love family. Sometimes, it is the lessons of love that teaches us to make room for others. Sometimes, it is the challenging experiences that present opportunities to grow into that mindset. The year of 2020 is certainly one case in point. The tragic events of this year brought out the best in many. Where entities, governments, representatives and others failed its people, individuals and organizations stepped up. They stepped up in huge, unimaginable ways. Our worst brought out our best. Those who never served before found creative and magnificent ways to help children in need of desks to study at home. Some provide electronics so those without tools or resources could have the means to continue their studies remotely. Children who relied upon school meals were amongst families who received boxes of food from caring individuals and organizations. The extended helping hands across the street and across the country go on and on. I am left with the question I ask myself each year? If we can step up to be our brother’s – and sister’s keeper – during the holidays and when faced with challenging and devastating times, why do we not do so all the time? We prove every year we can. This year, 2020 in particular, we proved that we should. The odd thing is if we would always do right by one another, the “step-ups” would not have to be so massive. It is because we systemically create such major gaps in wellbeing for people that, when tragic times come upon us, the assistance needed and recovery time are an overwhelming and long road. This message is about the hope and capacity of what we, as “a people,” can do. Let’s remember something. Holidays are wonderful. The magic they hold is so mystical. We should also not be mistaken of their power. Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa all hold the power to carry us well throughout the remainder of the year. As I wish you my heartfelt Season’s Greetings, I leave you with this food for thought. Christmas, and no other holiday, is merely a date on a calendar. Christmas is a state of being. Hanukkah is a state of being. Kwanzaa is a state of being. Spread your love and live more generously year-round! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa!
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AuthorCarol's life journey has always been one of service. There have been a number of avenues but the mission is the same. Particularly, with respect to the disadvantaged populations, Carol works to engage, inspire and enhance. Archives
July 2020
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