Reflection, Introspection and Contemplation

The Holidays tends to bring joy to the hopeful and to the content. But sadly, for the forgotten or hurting soul, it simply represents a lonely sorrow and lost opportunities. This year, take a moment to reflect upon the lessons you have learned and to recognize the goodness in your lives.

You do have something to be grateful for you know? You wouldn’t have to look that hard. Are you alive? Do you have breath in your body? Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have someone in your life who loves you simply for being you (a friend, a parent, a sister, a brother, a lover)? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you DO have something to be thankful for.

 

If you’re feeling blue this season, try doing something unexpected for someone else in need to remind them that they aren’t forgotten. Even if you have limited resources as well, you can send a card or simply tell someone Merry Christmas – and mean it. Doing something for others will lift your spirit and bring you a small piece of joy. Selflessness always comes with a reward.

As I look back on this year, I recognize the many blessings that have come about. I believe that they are all gifts from God. With each blessing has come change and has required growth from me that has been challenging, satisfying and positive. My life is better because of them and I am grateful.

 Please remember that despite the evil that is proven to still exist in our world with the horrific events that have taken place, there is still hope. The evil and selfish nature in the hearts of some people do not represent us all. We do not have to succumb to degradation of social morals and ethics.

We all have contributed to the sorrow in the world in some small way. Whether it is unintentional through the water we waste, the exhaust our cars emit or by turning our backs on the person hurting beside us out of fear of intruding upon their privacy, we have all added to it. Though we are not perfect and will never be so, we have been given grace and forgiveness by our Lord Jesus Christ, who’s birthday we celebrate this holiday season. No one can earn grace and believe me, no one deserves it. That’s why it’s called grace. It is a gift that we don’t deserve and is given from the Father’s heart.

But just think for a moment: If we show that same grace and forgiveness to one another, image the change that would take place. If not in the world, in our own lives. When we forgive, be become no one’s slave. We may not be able to change the hearts of others but we can take responsibility for ourselves and do better. We can choose to be better people.

 
I pray that you and your families have peace and joy in your lives and that you truly have a very Merry Christmas.

 R.J. Machado De Quevedo

(Follow me on Twitter @TheDeceiverBook )