I know there is a lot of whispery talk about whether or not to say "Merry Christmas" because of the plethora of holidays in December and the offense anyone person might take if 'their' holiday is not honored in your speech. But, I say, Merry freaking Christmas, everyone. I think we all get it by now. We all recognize there are different celebrations going on, but when someone says Merry Christmas, we get the point. Its a kind gesture- one of wishing someone a happy day no matter what the religion is. The intention is there, I'm sure. So, again, Merry Christmas my friends.
First, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who is a part of my life either on a daily basis, or weekly, or every few months. If your reading this, you probably are that person- so thank you for you. I have been getting so much positive feedback and support in my life lately and have been reflecting on why it has been so abundant. My only answer is you. All of you who have constantly pulled me out of the dirt and cleaned my knees off when I have fallen. All of you who have mended the bruises with kind thoughts and words. All of you who were not afraid to speak your minds to allow me to become more aware of myself and my actions. And all of you who have given me enough space to blossom into the woman I am today. The simple act of reflecting on those gifts fills me with joy more than any gift you could possibly place underneath a tree.
We all get fed in different ways and from different people. It's like a cup. Any cup you choose- make it own. Our cup is full when we enter this world. And we give of ourselves to our family so their cups can be filled with happiness and the essence of a child. We continue to fill our elders cups as we start to empty our own as we age. However, the little things that allow a children's eye to sparkle send streams of life into our cups as we experience life. We grow older, the cup continues to be filled by others and we continue to empty it for others. The cycle continues until we are done- when we drink what is left in the cup, take that joy with us, and move on to whatever comes next.
Today, if you are feeling empty, reflect on the things that do fill your cup. What excites you? What soothes you and puts you at ease? Who in your life fills you with joy? Go find that and embrace it. Welcome it with open arms, even if it is scary. Spend time with it so you may be filled.
Today, if you are feeling full, where can you share some of your inner joy? Seek out those that seem empty and nurture them. Fill them, give of yourself so they may feel some of what you have.
I will leave you all with this today as I go now and seek to fill and be filled. A passage from my favorite book, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran....
"Then said a rich man, Speak to us of Giving. And he answered:
You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you may keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?
And what is fear of need but need itself?
Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?
There are those who give little of the much which they have- and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.
And there are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.
There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.
And is there aught you would withhold?
All you have shall someday be given;
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'.
You often say, "I would give but only to the deserving."
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.
Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and his nights, is worthy of all else from you.
And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream.
And what desert greater shall there be, than that which lies in the courage and the confidence, nay the charity, or receiving?
And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.
And you receivers- and you are all receivers- assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives.
Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;
For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the free-hearted earth for mother, and God for father."
Merry Christmas, my worthy friends.
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