Christmas is six days away.
Unlike many others I am sitting here not caring about shopping.
I have bought only a few gifts. I have made most of what I want to give.
People keep asking me when am I going to get it together. My answer is simple I have it together.
I am not running out to buy gifts so people can say I got just what they want. I am going to spend time which is more valuable than any gift I could buy. I don't want to fight traffic, pushing and shoving in the stores or go deeply in debt.
My fondest memories of Christmas have always been of time spent with family and friends. My parents and grandmother always managed to take in the soldiers who did not have family. We opened our home and even had some small gift to make them feel part of the celebration. It was not about the cost of the gift but more about fellowship.
As my kids were growing up we did not celebrate the season way I would have loved. My ex is Muslim so my beliefs were not really celebrated. Of course we decorated a tree and exchanged presents. The big part missing was the celebration of Christ. We still managed to share our home with others who had no where to go.
I am looking forward to is spending time with my kids and mother. My son is hosting Christmas. I have to make two items for that. Time to relax and catch up with each other. We are all so busy and it will be a great time to celebrate the season. I want to start new traditions with my children and their families.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
The rights of others versus your rights
I am sitting in my room in my home. My doors and windows are closed.
You think I would only hear the sounds that are coming from the television. No, it is much louder than that.
At this moment and for the past 2 hours, I have heard the base of someones music in the neighborhood.
We have become a society in which our rights supersede the rights of others around. No matter how disturbing what we are doing can be.
Music permeates the privates spaces of strangers with little regard.
In traffic we want to be first at the exit even if we are in the wrong lane.
We crush each other for material objects on black Friday. These objects (especially toys) will be cast aside within a month of being opened.
As we become more and more attached to our smartphones, we become less concerned about who hears our conversations. Our ringers and notifications are enough to drive others crazy. We do not even talk with each other anymore.
We all long for technology but at what expense? We and yes that includes myself, spend hours on Facebook and less time with those we care about.
I honestly cannot remember the last time we sat at a table as a family without the television.
Our children do not know what education, gratitude, respect, suffering, having a true parent and not a friend is like. We have given too much and created a monster. This monster is supposedly going to take care of us in our old age.
My question to everyone, Is it worth it? Is it worth the direction we are moving in as the dumbest nation in the world? Is it worth being called a dead society?
You think I would only hear the sounds that are coming from the television. No, it is much louder than that.
At this moment and for the past 2 hours, I have heard the base of someones music in the neighborhood.
We have become a society in which our rights supersede the rights of others around. No matter how disturbing what we are doing can be.
Music permeates the privates spaces of strangers with little regard.
In traffic we want to be first at the exit even if we are in the wrong lane.
We crush each other for material objects on black Friday. These objects (especially toys) will be cast aside within a month of being opened.
As we become more and more attached to our smartphones, we become less concerned about who hears our conversations. Our ringers and notifications are enough to drive others crazy. We do not even talk with each other anymore.
We all long for technology but at what expense? We and yes that includes myself, spend hours on Facebook and less time with those we care about.
I honestly cannot remember the last time we sat at a table as a family without the television.
Our children do not know what education, gratitude, respect, suffering, having a true parent and not a friend is like. We have given too much and created a monster. This monster is supposedly going to take care of us in our old age.
My question to everyone, Is it worth it? Is it worth the direction we are moving in as the dumbest nation in the world? Is it worth being called a dead society?
The season is the reason
As I sit here and watch the Hallmark channel, I keep thinking the reason for the season has become lost.
Yes, I am one of those adults who believe in not only the holy spirit but the magic of the season. A few days ago I felt this magic of the season. I have been so stressed trying to work, make my business grow and take my finals for the semester. I kept hearing people say to me that I better get to shopping before it is too late. I don't shop like that anymore. Several years ago I hit my worst. I was getting my divorce and moved into my moms extremely crowded home. I had packed up all my possessions and put them in storage. I was quitting my job and starting a new career path and going back to school. I had nothing but myself to give. So that is what I gave. Each year since I have focused on being with my family that wants to participate. I have made gifts that will definitely last longer than anything I could buy. So I really am way ahead on the season. For every minute that I spend creating a special gift or cooking a holiday meal I am giving of myself. I believe I am blessed. I don't need to have a bunch of gifts. I don't have to give a bunch of gifts. What I must do is share my love and gifts that God has given me.
In the spirit of the season I say create something more magical than any gift you can buy. Start a tradition. Gather together in fellowship and celebrate the life of our lord and savior.
Yes, I am one of those adults who believe in not only the holy spirit but the magic of the season. A few days ago I felt this magic of the season. I have been so stressed trying to work, make my business grow and take my finals for the semester. I kept hearing people say to me that I better get to shopping before it is too late. I don't shop like that anymore. Several years ago I hit my worst. I was getting my divorce and moved into my moms extremely crowded home. I had packed up all my possessions and put them in storage. I was quitting my job and starting a new career path and going back to school. I had nothing but myself to give. So that is what I gave. Each year since I have focused on being with my family that wants to participate. I have made gifts that will definitely last longer than anything I could buy. So I really am way ahead on the season. For every minute that I spend creating a special gift or cooking a holiday meal I am giving of myself. I believe I am blessed. I don't need to have a bunch of gifts. I don't have to give a bunch of gifts. What I must do is share my love and gifts that God has given me.
In the spirit of the season I say create something more magical than any gift you can buy. Start a tradition. Gather together in fellowship and celebrate the life of our lord and savior.
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