Everything

As I began to think about writing this post, I could not for the life of me think of a good title. There is no much on my mind and my heart is so full with so many different things it feels like it could explode. I decided on the title 'Everything' because to me just about everything is involved in what I am feeling and in what I want to express.
I had to run a couple of really quick errands today, and since Kerry is working today, even though it is a Saturday(that's a completely different story) I loaded up the boys and went on my way.
I had some Christmas music playing, and a couple of songs really got me to thinking about this special time of year, and about life in general. About the things I TRULY BELIEVE IN, and how I want my life to be, how I want to raise my children, and how I want to make a difference in the world around me.
This time of year is crazy. There's no doubt about that. Even with the business, I love the Christmas season. I wish the feelings we hold in our hearts, and the way in which we interact with others could last and be with us each and every day throughout the year. I wish I could be more tolerant of others, not be so quick to anger and frustration. I wish that in the middle of March or July or September we could be as concerned with those around us who are not as fortunate as we are.
As I look into the eyes of my children, it is my sincere hope that I am teaching them the things that will truly make them happy honorable and charitable human beings. I hope that they will go out into the world as they leave my home and do better than I have. I hope they are loving and giving and tolerant of their fellow men. I hope they look for opportunities to give to and serve others. This is what brings true joy in life and it is my prayer that they will be able to feel this as they learn and grow in each of their lives.
There is happiness in seeing my children's eyes light up on Christmas morning. Seeing their excitement and anticipation in those marvelous days leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I know that they are still very young and are not capable of mastering all of the thoughts and feelings and emotions of the true meaning of Christmas. Someday I hope they will.
It is amazing to me the amount of time and money and stress that goes into the material side of this Christmas season. Finding that perfect gift. Getting the 'best deal' out there. And then when we have acquired it all, and wrapped it up and given it, the day after Christmas arrives and there we are as a nation......hitting the stores for the sales to acquire even more.
This past year has brought many things to my attention. I have thought a lot and dealt a lot with 'things' and their place in my life and how they hold me prisoner in ways that I never imagined. How I along with so many countless others have SO much of what we don't need, while we search for those things that we do need. Love. Companionship. Trust.
I guess this really magnifies itself during this time of year. How much better would our lives be if we put the effort into our relationships with our family and close friends that we put into the material side of the holidays. I think of some of the most amazing times of my life, and some of my best memories, and none of them, not even one, has to do with material possessions. They are the moments spent on the beach with my family during an incredible sunset, they are the times playing games with friends when you can't stop laughing. They are the times spent discovering new places with my children. I could really go on and on and on, but I think you get what I am trying to convey.
All of us are going to leave this earthly existence at some point. What are the things that are going to mean the most to you at that moment before you go? I have never heard of someone asking for their designer clothes, expensive jewelery, or fabulous cars to be brought to them. It's the people you love that you want the most.
I think of my father a lot, and how I never got the chance to get to know him as he died before I even was 3 years old. I would give up anything I own, or could ever own, just to be able to see him smile and hug him. There isn't ANY THING that is worth more than a relationship you can have with those that you love.
I think of those who for whatever reason cannot be with those that they love during this season. My heart goes out to all of those who are now or who have had to spend a Christmas without a loved one who is or has honorably served our country in the military. I don't know how those families do it. Being apart from each other is one thing, but knowing that someone you love is in possible danger as well, would be more than I could handle. I am so thankful to those individuals and their families who make this amazing sacrifice so that I can have the freedoms and liberties and time with my loved ones in a safe country.
I know this post has been quite long winded and I don't even know if I have been able to adequately convey what is in my heart and my mind.
Most of all I pray for peace. I pray that children throughout the world do not have to be scared or lonely or hungry. I pray that the light that is in each one of us will be able to overshadow the darkness and the hurt and wrong that occur in our world. I pray that each and every day throughout all the remaining days of my life that I will be able to be an advocate of love and peace and understanding for all those whom I come into contact with.
I wish you and yours a most magical and splendid Christmas season.
Thanks for stopping by.