Do You See What I See?

Standing in one place wherever I may go I often wonder if others see what I see. But now that it is Christmas time and a busy time of year I catch myself watching people to see if they notice the little things. Many prayers go out when I feel the need, but all the wonderful things I see may seem small and insignificant to others, just the same I know God is behind it all.

A small child putting its hand to the face of a baby sibling and soothing words being said so the baby won't cry. A young man holding the door open for a mother who is trying to hold onto packages and herd four teens into another store, never once noticing how she got in the store without using her own limbs. A couple busy going down a list of names making sure they didn't miss anyone, while their five-year-old tries to keep up only to trip on his untied shoe laces.

Sometimes I wished I could shout from the roof tops. Like have we gotten so into the commercialism of our holidays that we have become numb, blind, and deaf to what is happening to those near and dear to us? But alas I feel after the staring is over one by one they will all go back to what they were doing. 

Perhaps we all need our turn at what Ebenezer Scrooge went through when he was visited by the Spirits of Christmas Present, Past, and Future.

Hold on to what really matters, those little Kodak moments when you least expect them. So we aren't going to stop shopping, or packing the malls diligently seeking the prized gift we want to give to our family and friends. Don't wait until you fall into your favorite piece of furniture before you finally think of those around you. It may be hard at first but I am sure if you can train a dog to do tricks you can rewire your thinking.

If we all did this I am pretty sure we would all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I know I am going to give it a shot this year, how about you?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

God bless all of you that have been faithful to my blog even though it has been awhile. I want to wish all of you happy and safe holidays. Whether you receive the gift you always wanted, were able to afford the one you wanted to give, or receive a blessing from our Father in heaven, just remember to give thanks. Thanks to the one who gave His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, because He so loved the world. That is a gift that keeps on giving every day. Say a prayer of thanks....

I also want to thank the person who furnished the picture for my blog: http://www.flikr.com/littlefurby

Oh Christmas Tree

You knew the day was coming once Thanksgiving passed that it was inevitable a tree was going to be in your future. Some people are reminded by Santa's little elves otherwise known as your children, grandchildren, somebody's children, whomever. When you stopped making it all about you and finally did do something about bringing that stinkin' tree into the house whether it is artificial or real none the less you put it up. Or maybe you are stalling for time and have no problem ignoring the whining little elves a.k.a. those kids and they know who they are. They live for this stuff so you can't disappoint them. If you think you can put them off try living with a new name for a while, you know, the Grinch, who tried to steal Christmas.

The tree is sitting in a corner now just waiting to be decorated. Ah, was that so bad? But wait, you are reminded that new decorations are in order cuz the old ones just aren't getting it any more. You put on your jacket and trek to a nearby store and began to purchase your decorations. Pushing and shoving passed several little old ladies who seem to take hours for that one "special" little decoration for whatever reason. Finally, you settle on a box of balls, tinsel, you forgot to check if the lights still work. Oh well, you pick up another box.

On to the register you go with your decorations, so glad that you are through with the tedious task of all of this you round the corner find about 30 people whose faces are turning into the same as yours. You draw in a deep breath and resign yourself to making sounds when you think the cashier is taking long just to get on your nerves. Once it is your turn and pay for your purchases you run to your car as if someone is going to grab you by the nape of the neck and make you start all over again.

Finally all bags are in the car with you and you drive like a mad person possessed on your journey home. Feeling as if you accomplished a great feat you bring in your treasures and commence decorating. Coffee in hand you place the lights, every last ball, every last stream of tinsel and the star your little "elf" made on the tree.

Standing back you have everyone in the house and possibly your neighborhood and their families waiting and watching as you flip the switch and watch and wait for the accolades to begin...

Uh-oh the lights aren't going on. The lights! You forgot to check the lights! Your significant other hands you the "extra" bulbs and commences to take everyone rolling their eyes to the other room for refreshments while you try to fix the problem. Feeling something staring at you, you turn around and there stands one of your little "elves."

Smiling you try to suggest to the little darling to go get a Christimas cookie in the other room--far from where you are. The elf leaves and you are back to trying to find that bulb that is trying to make you look bad. You feel a little breeze on your neck and once more you turn to see what else in the cosmos interrupted you. It is that sweet little elf again. Only this time the little elf has something in it's arms. What is this you ask. The elf blinks and stoops to put something under the tree. Stepping back revealing a box wrapped in three different types of Christmas wrapping with a bow that has seen better days.

Tears fill your eyes and your throat tightens as the elf replies, "This is for you Daddy, Merry Christmas."