Opus 2023-319: Emmanuel Blessings

We look to the past with fond memories.  How many times have you heard the observation that the days when your family had scant resources and was scrambling to put things like Christmas together were times remembered with fondness.  The conclusion is that you were happier during the times of scarcity.

I suggest you take that and apply it today.  Take some time to contemplate on the blessings you have today and imagine yourself looking back on them at some later date.  Think about the people around you who look at your situation and can only wish.

Enjoy the moment.  Relish the ways in which God is enriching you.  None of your kids can make it home for Christmas?  Reach out to someone in your church who is also childless for the holidays.  One of my warm memories this year was the lady who invited me over for Thanksgiving because she wasn’t sure I had any place to go.  My wife doesn’t go to church with me so she thought I was alone.  Now that I think of it, this might be a good time to cheer her up by reminding her of that blessing.  Reach out and look for people to touch and the gaps in your day will be filled.

Look to next year.  Work on creating a home environment that the kids will want to come to next year.  You don’t do that by gripes and groans but by whispers of Emmanuel and mention of how you have been blessed this year.  Make them want to be a part.

Our attitude can transform or smother.  It is cold and rainy as I write.  I could focus on the cold and wet, I could.  If I had to go out and dig ditches today I might do that.  But I can focus on the fact that I am retired, inside, warm and dry.  I can focus on the life renewing change of seasons and moisture.  I can enjoy the pitter patter of raindrops.  Two views of the same world.

Two wishes for you.  May God bless you.  May you recognize the blessings when they come.

homo unius libri