I really don't want to make this sad, especially at this time of year, but the Spirit so directed.
The closer we get to Christmas, the more I feel HIS spirit in my heart. We are preparing for our mission in June 2012, and this goal or dream necessitates certain conditions that are not for us as they have been in the past. (nice way to put it isn't it?) No need to go into that here, but no matter what they be, I feel His Spirit entering my heart more and more each day. Part of this may be because Bonnie and I get to perform at the Assembly Hall on Friday night this week. We get to sing praises to our Savior and thus that Spirit is coming into my heart. Plus, if you try to feel the reason for the season, I feel it will come.
But as I sit here and consider all the blessings I have, the Gospel Doctrine lesson on Sunday, the reason of gifts, and watching my wife and her excitement as she presents some of our grand kids gifts, it gives me great joy. Then I am reminded that many, many people think this is the season of depression. Some I know thoroughly hate Christmas. There are those who are grumpy and scroogie (is that a word) (if it isn't, you still know what I am trying to say, right?) throughout the season. Many let circumstances, trials, challenges, and loneliness get in the way of feeling joy this season.
As I think of those who I know do not like Christmas, and others who may feel the same way about this season, I can't help but ponder what I might be able to do to lighten their burden, put a smile on their face, get them to see they are loved, and perhaps help them feel the Spirit that is surrounding me these days.
Yes, of course it is a time to be around families, enjoy the season of gaining a few pounds, singing a few carols, and then lamenting the time we will have to work to get those pounds off. But perhaps it is also a time to seek out those others who do not have (or at least they think this way) any reason to celebrate Christ's birth.
In a Christmas past, we invited a sister to enjoy a bit of our holiday celebration. She shared with me that she had not talked to her brother, nor anyone in her family for over five years. She did not have any place to go to enjoy the season. There are many in this frame of mind, I am sorry to say. And because the world is celebrating, that makes their lot in life harder and lonelier I would suggest.
It is the season to be joyful, and perhaps we could be more joyful, at least I could be if I spend some time thinking about, and then doing something to help someone else enjoy this season. I shall try to do that.
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