"Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."
-Calvin Coolidge
30th President o the United States of America
It's 9:30 AM on December 21, 2012. The nation pauses for the one-week anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Bells toll - 26 times - once for each precious person lost. One week earlier, 9:30 AM on December 14, 2012, the unthinkable happened. Like 9/11, it's a defining moment. Where do we go from here. Do we spiral downward, or do we reach upward. May the New Year 2013 usher in a new age of compassion. May we strive to achieve peace, joy and harmony in our individual lives and in our communities and in our world.
In her book entitled Finding Your Way in a Wild World, author Martha Beck offers some advice everyone igonores (but really shouldn't):
1.) What leaves you feeling bad, do less of. What leaves you feeling good, do more of.
2.) To achieve bigger goals, take smaller steps.
3.) Lie down and rest for a while.
4.) When you don't know what to say, try the truth.
So, as we try to construct a world with the best human behavior possible where we maximize our happiness, kindness and health, may we...
-Take time to think; it is the source of power.
-Take time to read; it is the foundation of wisdom.
- Take time to play; it is the secret of staying young.
- Take time to be quiet; it is the opportunity to seek God.
- Take time to be aware; it is the opportunity to serve others.
- Take time to love and be loved; it is God's greatest gift.
- Take time to laugh; it is the music of the soul.
- Take time to be friendly; it is the road to happiness.
- Take time to dream; it is what the future is made of.
- Take time to pray; it is the greatest power on earth.
Let me close with the words of my dear friend Barbara S. that she recently sent in the form of an e-mail: "As we take time to remember our blessings and pray for our world, we humble ourselves before our God, follow his teachings, and praise his name. We pray the joy of God's love will surround you this Christmas, and may the quiet beauty that is Christmas be with you each day of 2013. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2013." God bless you now and always.
Love and cheer-
Lydia Crooks
