The Holidays
The Holidays
As Christmas and the New Year get near, let us remember that it is not the happiest time of year for everyone. Depression set in on many people while the rest of us rejoice. Suicides are at their highest level. It is especially frustrating this year with the economy in the toilet, many jobless and homeless wander around in despair.
I have felt these feeling. In hard times, it is hard to remember to count your blessings instead of focusing on your losses. That is exactly what you must do to survive. Not just during the holiday season but every day of your life. Once you learn this lesson, life is much more meaningful. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Look at what you have not what you don’t.
In my case, it took a while to see that I have my health, children who love me, a roof over my head, and food to eat. While you may not have a job or extra money to spend, focus on the ones you love and that love you. Remember, no matter how bad you think life has treated you, there are always someone who doesn’t have the things you do. Some have no one that cares about them. There are many who don’t have a home or food to eat.
If you learn to take the time to count, your blessings instead of feeling down, you will see that you are rich with what matters in life. Family and friends are worth more than extra pocket change. Health and love are things you can’t buy. Remember the greatest gift you can give someone is your love. Presents are nice, but will not last long, but letting someone know how much you love them is worth the world.
The world had got caught up in the commercialization of Christmas. For the true meaning, you have but to look at John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…” That was the gift, not something wrapped in pretty paper. There were no lawns decorated with inflatable Snowmen or houses that lit up the neighborhood. It wasn’t the giving of expensive gifts, but the present of love.
So stop and think. If you have people that love you and you love them, then you have the greatest gift of all. Material things come and go but love is forever. Count your blessings and share your joy with the ones you love and everything else will no longer bring your spirits down. Once you realize what is important in life, the little things will fall into place.
Once you have found peace within yourself, you will be able to look at others and wonder what is so important that they get up at 3AM to stand in line at a store to get a deal on a big screen TV. Gather not material things in life, but guard the love in your life. For that, Flat Screen TV will not stand beside you in hard times, but those that love you will be there.
JW
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