This time of year, we get to sing Christmas Carols. I love them. They fill my heart with so much joy. They are also a source of sadness as I get older because they remind me of times past. It is remembering the impact these individuals had on my life and how important they were and still are to me today. I miss hearing my dad’s laugh and the funny things he would say. I miss how he could always find the irony in situations instead of getting upset by them. I miss my grandparents and how they loved me, each in their own unique way. I also miss being in the snow. It really doesn’t snow in Florida all that much. I miss the huge holiday gatherings. While my dad was an only child, my mom was one of ten children. I miss going to my maternal grandparents during the holidays with All. The. People. All related in some way to me. I remember all the hope that was instilled in me just by being with people I loved and who loved me.
And so, singing carols brings a great deal of joy as I remember all the memories of my childhood. I was very fortunate to have good parents who loved me. My growing up years were lived part in California and part in Ohio. I remember all the amazing experiences I had in both states. I have been to the date festival and watched the camel races. I have been tobogganing in the redwoods. I have been to Disneyland, Knox Berry Farm, and Hollywood. I have been to see theater performed by some pretty good actors. I have had the freedom living on a farm gives to kids. I have driven a tractor, a car, learned to pilot a boat and flown a plane. And so many more memories.
I have made many great friends along the way. And I cherish each of you even if we don’t get to see one another very often. At this season in my life, I realize it is the experiences and the people who matter. Scripture teaches us that things rust and rot away…and I know this to be true. Fortunately, the things that sustain us, the things that matter: Faith, Hope, Love…don’t ever leave.
We are in a season that gives us the time to remember the past as we also look forward with hope for the future. In this first week of Advent that celebrates Hope we take the opportunity to see how we personally can offer hope to the world around us. We offer hope when we reach out to help someone in need. We offer hope when we think about what is best for someone else first. We give hope in the shape of food baskets and toys to families who are in need and barely able to afford the basic necessities let alone the extras the Christmas season brings. We give hope when we are kind to those who are not kind toward us. We give hope when we live a life based on the idea that “I am because We are.” We are in this world together and together we can make it a good place to live.
In living a life that sees the other as a person of worth, we offer hope. Hope that says we will get through this together. Together we will find good solutions that help all people. Together we will offer hope…hope for today and hope for better tomorrows. But…we have to do it together.
Wishing you Hope in this Christmas season.
Peace,
Beth
Beth's Blog 