Merry CHRISTmas

I’m not going to stress, or at least I’m trying not to. Why? Because there are people who don’t have a house to live in at all. Because besides having a roof over my head, I’m blessed with a good family, enough money to buy food to eat and pay the bills, and oh, yes, warm weather compared to the north. Most important, I’m trying to remember the reason for the season by helping those who are less fortunate.

Since watching this short video a few weeks ago and again this Sunday, I’ve been trying to cultivate my patience and be observant of small opportunities for service. I liked the video enough to decide it would be the perfect message to leave on our blog for Christmas. I hope you liked it too.

For those who haven’t already seen it, here’s an older one with a similar message:

The Florida panhandle is a magnet for those who want an easy place to restart, at least in the way of good weather and plenty of tourists to provide handouts. My problems seem small in comparison to the people in these videos and other people I see in real life almost every day. Saying a prayer of gratitude for my blessings is one of my best means to stay happy when I start to feel sorry for myself. My list of blessings is so long, I rarely get to the part where I ask for things. So if you didn’t get everything on your wish list this year and don’t feel happy as a result, I’m pretty sure you’ll feel better by giving one of your gifts away to someone who needs it more and then thanking God for what you still have. Just saying.

And if giving one gift away makes you feel good, keep on giving.

Merry Christmas!