I just wanted to write a quick post to say how truly blessed I am and to encourage each and every one of you to stop for just a minute and be thankful for everything- yes everything- that each day brings. I know the holiday season brings a lot of emotions and feelings out of people, and I am no exception. Its something about this season that really gets me to stop what I am doing and evaluate all the blessings in my life, as well as my extended family and friends'. The past week, I have made it a point to just get out of my comfort zone and read and explore people's situations from all walks of life, all religions, all nationalities, all circumstances. Some have been a good experience, made especially easy during the holiday season with all the media coverage of good deeds, warm fuzzy feel-good stories, family get-togethers, etc... Videos that brought good tears: Of military families being reunited by surprise; people loving on those less fortunate, sacrificing time, money, and resources to help those in need; families receiving "Christmas miracles" for medical diagnosis of a loved one; and even from something as an ordinary hug from one of my boys. But my heart also hurts for multitudes of people who are hurting, who don't know the peace and love that this season represents, that need a break, that are desperately hanging by a thread. It doesn't seem fair to me, and I know I'm not the first to struggle with these issues, but life is too precious to take it- and all the little moments in it- for granted. This week I have been gripped by the images and stories of orphaned, forgotten children. Some of the stories have been from other countries. You've seen them: the starving, neglected children on tv that just rips your heart out. But mostly I have been burdened by the domestic stories, the kids growing up with no "forever family." YouTube video after YouTube video of their stories and perspectives that just puts a lump in your throat seeing their spirits crying out for love and acceptance, only to bounce around from temporary house to another, year after year, slowly losing hope. I have read accounts of terror from across the globe. Children losing their lives because of their religious beliefs, law enforcement murdered by madmen, people fighting, injuring, and even killing each other because of different viewpoints. Lives of families and loved ones changed forever because of incidents out of their control. We had a customer of ours at work lose everything he owned in a freak house fire a few weeks back. It was just story after story of people that are hurting this time of year, and in the midst of all the good, fun, joyous festivities that my family and I have been privileged enough to enjoy, I miss so many opportunities to help those in need.
I didn't write this to dampen any holiday spirit that you may have, but just to encourage you to stop right now and appreciate everything that you have been taking for granted. Your spouse perhaps. (Lord knows, when I have to take care of my boys alone, my appreciation for all she does goes out the roof!!!) Your children. (Those little boogers can drive me crazy sometimes, but they are the most precious gift I have ever been given...) Your job, your health, your freedom, your talents. Even the experiences of a tough time in your life that has made you who you are today. Hold tight to those things and don't take them for granted.
Take a few minutes to step outside of your comfort zone and "Google" some people, topics, news events, and societal situations today. Maybe find a cause that you can help out with, an organization you can support, a living hell that you can lift up in prayer, a child that you can adopt.
And go hug your little ones...
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