Week 253

Positive post Sunday, December 26, 2021- Week 253. 

I hope everyone had a blessed, healthy and safe Christmas with family and friends.  I began writing this post yesterday morning before all the festivities and gift giving began because I wanted to take some quiet time to reflect on our greatest gift of all, Jesus. Our savior is born, Alleluia!  I pray that we all remember and appreciate this amazing gift, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year and our entire lives.  His birth in a manger, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross, paved the way for each of us to have the opportunity to earn everlasting life.

Now that we have celebrated Christmas, it’s time to close out the year with grace.  Speaking of time, where did this year go?  Like 2020, 2021 feels like a blur and here we are with only one week left.  Although there continues to be 24 hours in a day and 365 days in a year (except leap year), it sure feels like each year gets shorter as we get older and 2021 was no exception.  By the grace of God, our family has been healthy and able to enjoy another year (safely and responsibly), something I will never take for granted again. 

As we move into the final week of 2021, I pray for health, peace and understanding.  As I’ve learned firsthand, our lives can change in a split second.  I pray each day for the physical and mental health of my family and friends.  We live in very difficult, challenging and energized times and I pray that we learn how to celebrate diversity and appreciate our differences in constructive, collaborative and peaceful ways that build community and trust.  

As we think toward the New Year and consider New Year’s resolutions, I encourage us all to explore ways to volunteer in our communities and make donations to a favorite charity.  I can’t imagine how hollow this world would be if we did not have people who “volunteered” their time and talents and gave generously from their treasures.  Just think of all the services and support that would not be available to us if we did not have volunteers.  The most visible example to me is at church.  The next time you go to church, imagine the Mass or service without all the volunteers, both those at the Mass or service and those behind the scenes that make it happen.  The experience would simply not be the same without all those volunteers that prepare the church, take care of the young children and serve refreshments.  Imagine if there weren’t greeters, lecturers, acolytes, eucharistic ministers, deacons, ushers, choirs, and the list goes on.  

As we say farewell to 2021 and welcome 2022 with great expectations, I encourage us all to explore how we can share our time, talents and treasures, especially at our places of worship.

How do you celebrate the birth and life of Jesus throughout the year, and how will you continue to celebrate this gift from God throughout your life?

What are you doing to close out 2021 in a positive way?

What are you doing to peacefully and constructively build community and trust?  

What opportunities will you take to share your time, talent and treasure?