Despite the holiday stresses, I do enjoy Christmas when weighed against what the Christmas holiday is ultimately all about. Kindness and gentleness. Acts of human nature that do not always seem to be in abundance. On occasions I catch myself thinking uncharitable thoughts about someone. Maybe they’re not driving fast enough. Or they’re driving too fast. The waiter bringing my food is incompetent. Whether these things are true or not, I know that in the span of my life they’re are not that important. Ultimately, the question is, “Have I have been the kind of person I wanted to be this past year?” This year I would have to say a definite no. Off the top of my head, I could name several things that would paint me as uncharitable. Despite this, the holiday is a good time, because it reminds me of my priorities.
So to end this year on a high (and hopefully not sour) note, I shall remind myself those things that illustrate how fortunate and thankful I am by listing all the things the people whom I hold dear have done for me.
- People who are concerned for me.
- People who are forgiving of my weaknesses.
- People who remind me of my strengths at the valley of my failures.
- People who remind me of humility at the summit of my hubris.
- People who do not judge me when I am at my most judgmental.
To my family and friends, I hope that I have been able to return these gifts in equal measure. If not, then I wish that one day I become a gracious enough a person to do so.
Merry Christmas. Have a wonderful New Year.