On a drive back from Christmas Eve festivities, my 18-year-old daughter was delighted to see snowflakes swirling in the air.
“We are going to have a white Christmas,” she proclaimed.
Well, not really, but the snowflakes falling seemed symbolic to me, the fresh beauty signaling the hope of a new tomorrow that comes with this season; all things are possible.
On this Christmas Day, I know there are many people who may be grieving the losses of loved ones, be it a child, sister, brother, spouse, parents or grandparent, or possibly the loss of a job, a home or relationship. For them, material gifts are far less important than the gift of the presence of family and friends, supporters who can embrace them and help them reflect and honor their memories such that they can again find hope and peace in their lives.
As 2014 draws near, my hope for all of my family, friends, colleagues, and our readers, is that like a new snowfall we see the beauty in each given day, and recognize our own individual ways of reckoning with the challenges that come our way. This season is one that brings out in most a spirit of kindness, generosity, hope and comfort. To me, that is a blessing, a promise of peace that transcends our struggles, heartaches and difficulties.
I repeat the words of this old spiritual as my hope for 2014.
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
t sttomise of a peace that comes with the love of family, friendship and ccamaraklyaunderstanding, friendship that peace we can all find peace in our lives, be of , and the blessing in all of that is that