Holiday Thoughts
Holiday Thoughts
This is one time of the year that our thoughts go out to others and we try to reflect upon the good things in life: loved ones, family gatherings, generosity, peace, goodwill, and the hope for a better tomorrow. In the course of these few weeks, we will really take notice of the panhandler on the corner with the cardboard sign and the solitary little old person who seems to be so alone. This is just wonderful, but reaching out to help others should not be saved only for this one time of the year, and for most of us, it isn't. With the exception of just a few Scrooges in the world, the rest of us are basicially caring, generous and kind. It gives us all pleasure to do for others, and even more pleasure to see that our efforts are appreciated. We all respond to the Angel Tree where we give a gift to the Salvation Army or some other organization for the needy kids, and we donate to other organziations who provide meals for the homeless, etc. Some organizations will "adopt" a nursing home, or donate comfort toys and blankets or jackets to child protection agencies. Each of us likes to do something.
At some point in our lives someone has reached out and done a kindness to each of us. It is appropriate to Pay it Forward and do a kindness to someone else. In our nursing homes, are countless elderly men and women who are forgotten at Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day, not to mention their birthdays. There are WWII heros who are overlooked on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. During the ordinary workday there are countless elderly folks who have nobody to visit them, and nobody who cares. Sure there are organizations who volunteer but that effort is often limited to the holiday season and forgotten after New Years Day. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a different in just one life, I challenge you to make a trip to a convalescent care center, VA hospital or skilled care unit, or a residential board and care. Mingle among the residents and find that one person that touches your heart, and get to know them. Adopt this little person and become his/her little guardian angel in providing some holiday cheer, but also a bit of company on a lonely day, someone to remember them on their birthday, Mother's Day or Father's Day or just any day. Sit with them and listen to their stories of their lives, read to them, listen to music with them, just sit and enjoy the quiet times, and you will come away much richer. Share with them your time, your interests, your heart, and you will be surprised that the one who gained the most will be you. Now. . . .am I suggesting that you invest your whole life into this challenge? Of course not. In reality, most of these people are coming to the end of their lives anyways, and they are simply at The Train Station of Life waiting for the next stop so you are only going to have a short period of time available. Make the most of what time there is, make a difference to someone just because you can, and wait to reap rewards of your heartfelt efforts. Remember, one day very soon, you could be where they are now. Open up your hearts to give of your own heart to others, and see what blessings may result. It could be the best gift you ever gave yourself. Happy Holidays.
This is one time of the year that our thoughts go out to others and we try to reflect upon the good things in life: loved ones, family gatherings, generosity, peace, goodwill, and the hope for a better tomorrow. In the course of these few weeks, we will really take notice of the panhandler on the corner with the cardboard sign and the solitary little old person who seems to be so alone. This is just wonderful, but reaching out to help others should not be saved only for this one time of the year, and for most of us, it isn't. With the exception of just a few Scrooges in the world, the rest of us are basicially caring, generous and kind. It gives us all pleasure to do for others, and even more pleasure to see that our efforts are appreciated. We all respond to the Angel Tree where we give a gift to the Salvation Army or some other organization for the needy kids, and we donate to other organziations who provide meals for the homeless, etc. Some organizations will "adopt" a nursing home, or donate comfort toys and blankets or jackets to child protection agencies. Each of us likes to do something.
At some point in our lives someone has reached out and done a kindness to each of us. It is appropriate to Pay it Forward and do a kindness to someone else. In our nursing homes, are countless elderly men and women who are forgotten at Christmas, Mother's Day and Father's Day, not to mention their birthdays. There are WWII heros who are overlooked on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. During the ordinary workday there are countless elderly folks who have nobody to visit them, and nobody who cares. Sure there are organizations who volunteer but that effort is often limited to the holiday season and forgotten after New Years Day. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a different in just one life, I challenge you to make a trip to a convalescent care center, VA hospital or skilled care unit, or a residential board and care. Mingle among the residents and find that one person that touches your heart, and get to know them. Adopt this little person and become his/her little guardian angel in providing some holiday cheer, but also a bit of company on a lonely day, someone to remember them on their birthday, Mother's Day or Father's Day or just any day. Sit with them and listen to their stories of their lives, read to them, listen to music with them, just sit and enjoy the quiet times, and you will come away much richer. Share with them your time, your interests, your heart, and you will be surprised that the one who gained the most will be you. Now. . . .am I suggesting that you invest your whole life into this challenge? Of course not. In reality, most of these people are coming to the end of their lives anyways, and they are simply at The Train Station of Life waiting for the next stop so you are only going to have a short period of time available. Make the most of what time there is, make a difference to someone just because you can, and wait to reap rewards of your heartfelt efforts. Remember, one day very soon, you could be where they are now. Open up your hearts to give of your own heart to others, and see what blessings may result. It could be the best gift you ever gave yourself. Happy Holidays.
posted @8:38 AM
2 Comments:
I give of my time to my haggard old mother...this year I had her for the holiday dinner. She was tasty!
I spent my whole Thanksgiving with Old people...Isn't that enough??? ;)
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