Time for reflection.
As 2015 draws to a close, and songs from the Christmas season permeates the air, many people will be in a frenzy buying and exchanging gifts.
This started from the original idea that God gave His son Jesus to save the world – the ultimate gift.
Of course, many today have no inkling of that.
They are just following a tradition.
Gift-giving – and partying – marks this period of the year.
But amidst the merriment, while everyone chips in to have some fun, there are those who are lonely and sad – those without family, those who feel life has dealt them an unfair deal, those who are quite sunken in despair to the extent that wallowing in despondency becomes “comfort zone” for them, and of course those who are not well.
Our hearts go out to these people.
This sense of being uncared for can intensify for some when Christmas comes around as certain people see others in joyous celebration.
It is easy to be perceived of as being insensitive when amidst the merry-making we inadvertently forget to go the extra mile to show that we genuinely care or give gifts that can be misinterpreted as subtle messages.
Indeed, it is often said that giving is for the giver, not necessary the giftee.
There is some truth in that, but if someone I care for is a compulsive gambler, do I become so bold as to dispense unsolicited advice to him (I know my place as head of family, eldest son of eldest son, blah, blah, blah, but I try never to give unsolicited advice even to my family members) or do I give him a book about positive thinking and overcoming one’s compulsiveness?
Of course I will not give a book with a title such as “Addiction Control for Dummies” or “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Overcoming Gambling Addiction.”
But if my boss flies off the handle and becomes abusive at the slightest (perceived or real) provocation, who am I to sit him down and give him a piece of my mind? That will surely destroy any relationship I have with him. Instead I would bless him with a book on impulse control and on how he can control his temper before it controls and destroys him and everyone around him. As an adult, he should think and self-appraise and ask himself why he is being given such a gift. (Actually knowing oneself is the greatest gift of all.)
As with last year, this year, I am giving everyone books – some instructional, some entertaining, some inspiring – and for those I really care about, a book and a little more.
Too bad if people get upset.
If they have balls, they can always tell me to my face that I piss them off.
Sulk and you remain in a corner for all you want while the rest of the world is oblivious to your pain.
Unless that’s what you enjoy doing, being cooked in your own toxic juice, that is.
Well, whatever floats your sinking boat.
But bearing a lifelong grudge is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die.
The best thing for those who can’t forgive is to give themselves the gift of letting go.
So have a blessed, venom-free, vitriol-free Christmas, all.
But remember: Christmas isn’t Christmas till it happens in your heart. Somewhere deep inside you is where Christmas really starts.
So give that a serious thought!
Yes, remember the reason for the season!