Pay it Forward
 

Sisters,

It's hard to believe that it's the middle of December. Then again, it doesn't exactly feel like winter when it's 75 degrees out and you can still lay out to work on your tan. Either way, the holiday season is upon us.

The Holidays are for love. They are for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends, for traditions. But mostly, the holidays are for love. A love for those close to you, a love for those with whom you have drifted apart, a love for those you're just getting to know, and a love for those you have never known at all.

This holiday season, I ask that we all try to brighten just one person's day in hopes that they too can pay it forward. Donate a toy to a child whose family can't afford presents, visit a person who has no one to spend the holidays with, serve a meal to someone who might otherwise go hungry, write a letter or e-mail to our troops overseas, participate in a walk to raise money for medical research, call an old friend who you've lost touch with over the years, or find a cause that's important to you. No act is too small; even telling a stranger "have a nice day." They may not remember your name, they may not remember your face, but they'll remember how you made them feel.

As you look back on this year and make your resolutions for 2006, think about what you accomplished instead of where you failed. Think about your "haves" instead of your "have nots". Think about the friendships and relationships you have made instead of the ones you have lost. Think about those less fortunate than ourselves instead of the rich and famous. Think about the needs of others instead of the wants of ourselves.

"Christmas. it ain't the getting, it ain't the giving, it's the loving." (Garfield's Christmas Special)

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season full of happiness, laughter, smiles, and love.

Loyally,
MiamiADPi

What a wonderful post!!

I hope that every sister - but especially those who went through JD - is on top of that! I know that I'm dressing 3 dolls for one charity, and bought some gifts for Angel Tree (prisoners ask for things for their children, so that they'll have something to open on Christmas morning). There's more, but that's all that needs to be said right now.

And yes, if you know someone in a nursing home or is elderly, there are so many things you can do to make their life easier! Sometimes, it's just a ride to a store so they can select something themselves, or just listening to them. I did not WANT to be a geriatric counselor, but it happened - and it's not as horrible as I would have thought. I know stories about people and places that I would never have learned, and traditions that are quickly dying.

Let's truly pay it forward! If you've done anything, let us know. If you want to keep it quiet, that's fine. Let's just keep away from competition, and keep the Reason for the Season in our hearts!!

May our Lord bless you real good, MiamiADPi, for starting this!!!