This is the time of year when we all count our blessings. Good health (never to be taken for granted), good friends, a good job, family that is always there and supportive, food on the table, a roof to keep out the rain, blankets to keep us warm, enough money to spare for presents, faith that keeps us going in a world filled with selfishness and evil.
But not everyone is celebrating. A dear, dear friend lost her husband of many years yesterday. While it is a blessing in disguise (he was declining mentally and was legally blind), she has lost her life's companion. And her children, grown though they are, have lost a father. And a wonderful father at that. So their Christmas is going to be less than merry. I would say anything but merry, however there are little children in the picture and not much keeps the joy of Christmas away when there are children in the house. At our house, the list of missing family members is far too long. Last year at this time we were dealing with a death of our own, my beloved's mother. And I cannot help but ache for all those families dealing with the loss of a family member to the war in Iraq. Even if it has been more than a year or two, those wounds must still be too raw to contemplate. To all those mothers who have lost a child, be it newborn, stillborn, or one old enough to be a grandparent, may your empty arms find solace in the embrace of another who cares and listens.
While I am in the comfortable position of having a computer and internet access, while I am one of the "haves" in society (only in the sense that we are not poor), there are far too many who struggle day to day to meet the needs of their families. For them the merry in Christmas is going to be laughter and, hopefully, having a day of rest to spend with family. Everything is relative, I know. There are many people who have far more than we do and many, many others who are quite poor in comparison. But this I know: I am immensely grateful to my family, especially my significant other and my offspring, who fill my days and nights with love and appreciation, and to my God. Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Lord of Love. Without that constant presence, without those tiny moments of wonder and joy in creation that is all around us - in nature and the people of our daily lives - I cannot imagine life. That spirit of generosity, of saying "yes" to God, and putting fear aside is what the season is all about.
Merry Christmas to all, and, to all, a good night.
