Christmas Thoughts from 2003

A Christmas Thought - It applies all year long

     In a world full of headlines about war, terror, financial instability and the decline of the family, it's hard to acquire a view of life that gives us sway to believe in the good of mankind.  But let's attempt to put some perspective and balance to our view.  Yes, we need to be a productive part of society.  Yes, we need to be an influence for good.  Yes, we need to care about the people in our lives and around the world.  No, we are not responsible for everyone in the world, but we are responsible for those people in our sphere of influence.  

     I suggest that we all want things to improve from the way they were yesterday.  But what part can we play in bringing about change?  We need to see our world as it really is behind the toil and tasks of everyday living.  Slow down enough to see and consider the beauty of a sunset, a town under a blanket of snow that hides the blemishes of man, see a tree, a home or a village trimmed for Christmas, watch the faces of families during the Christmas season, and so many other wonderful things that are around us everyday.  It will change how we think about our world. Don't get caught up in how the snow slowed down your commute or how Christmas has become so commercialized.  Listen to the sounds of Christmas, remember the reason we celebrate Christmas, give from your heart, not because you think it's expected. Smile and you will be greeted with smiles. Some will wonder why you are so happy. If they ask tell them. We can change our view and thereby change our sphere of influence.  I call it "our world."

 I quote, "Take time to smell the roses."

     There are many ways to look at the world around us.  One way is to see it through the eyes of a child.  When you realize everything is new to them and they don't have a personal history to shape what they think, it brings a new responsibility to us.  Not to shape their view through our eyes and history, but to attempt to understand our world through their eyes. Through the eyes of discovery. 

     When we take a child to the beach, fishing, to a ballgame, on a picnic, on a hike, to the playground, to a hot dog roast, or even to a G-rated movie we will be insturmental in shaping their view of life just because we took the time to share our life and time with them. 

     Don't wait until it's too late and then say I wish I had spent more time with ___________ (I'll let you fill in the blank).  There is never a time like today.  In fact today is the only day we live in.  It's where we create the memories of yesterday and the promise of gr8 tomorrows. 

Click Here to Return to My Perspective    -    Bill