Goodbye Christmas

Posted on December 27, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

I am so glad Christmas is over.

No, I’m not a grinch or Scrooge. In fact, I love Christmas. I just don’t like the Christmas “season.” I mean, how many times have we heard I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas or so many variations of Mary, Did You Know? After the first time, I really cared less if Grandma got run over by a reindeer and the Redneck 12 Days Of Christmas were about 13 days too long.

I do love the movies — A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas, White Christmas, Christmas in Connecticut and It’s a Wonderful Life. I look forward to taping the Hallmark originals. But they did little to infuse the Christmas spirit in my soul.

It seems the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas get shorter and shorter and go faster and faster. In the blink of an eye we’re substituting Tom the turkey with jolly St. Nick. And it has all become about the glitz and the glitter with only a cursory remembrance of the reason for the season. No wonder so many get depressed during this most festive time of the year.

Of course, in my case, there has been an appendage missing for years. While I can — and do — enjoy time with the kids and grandkids, the realization I’m enjoying it alone has always managed to filter in.

I miss the mini-stories and the clues and the reactions, although some of those traditions have certainly lived on through my children. I miss the wonder and the excitement of the season. I even miss the stress … because Karen and I knew how to beat that stress.

This year, for some reason, I’ve been dwelling on the past. I haven’t really allowed myself to be festive. {I admit it} I mean, I meant to decorate my truck Thanksgiving weekend but the bow is still on the back porch and the greens have been run over many, many times in the driveway over the past month. I ran into difficulty planning a trip for the grandkids because of schedules (normally, that would be a Christmas gift to the urchins … The Radio City Christmas Show, an Easter cruise, a trip to the Jersey shore/New York City). I may still put something together, but it didn’t make it for Christmas.

I did plan Christmas gifts for the grandkids — especially the younger ones. I knew exactly what I was going to get them in early December (right after our “trip” plans were foiled). I finally got around to ordering them last weekend. Needless to say, they have been trickling in. Good thing most of the grandkids live out of state.

I’ve noticed I have a lot of company this year yoked to the past. I can’t tell you how many people have commented to me, “I miss (insert spouse, parents, special friends) so much this year.”

Yes, I’m glad Christmas is over … especially this Christmas. I’ll rebound. Mid summer I’ll be humming Christmas songs or listening to Christmas albums. I’m in the Why Can’t It Be Christmas All Year camp … but I’m willing to give up December.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Struggles are required in order to survive in life, because in order to stand up, you gotta know what falling down is like.

Posted in confession, family, holidays, Memories, relationships | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Christmas Prayer — 2014

Posted on December 25, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

As a Christmas gift to myself, I again vowed to take Christmas off. No writing. No work.

But I did want to share a Christmas message. What to do?

Well, I “borrowed” some words my wife wrote, which have become a staple for Christmas in the Reveille/Between the Lakes. I thought it was time to expand the readership and pass her words along to an entirely new audience. And I pre-posted the blog, scheduling its release Christmas Day.

Thanks, Karen, for your timeless words and a new tradition. And thanks to all followers and readers for the friendships and comments. May you all have a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness, holiness and blessing.

And now, A Christmas Prayer from Karen…

For many of us, life seems to have shifted into the fast lane, and Christmas seems to come upon us earlier and earlier each year. With so much to do and little time to do it, we may find ourselves becoming grumpy, often mimicking familiar scenes from A Christmas Carol. With time at a premium, our thoughts seem to be consumed with what still has to be done or bought rather than focusing on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

It’s not the presents found under the tree on Christmas morning, the giving or the taking … It’s not the trees or wreaths or the fancy decorations … It’s certainly not the commercialism or hustle and bustle that often puts us in a foul mood, the exact opposite of what the Lord’s birth was designed to offer.

Jesus was born into poverty. Imagine for a moment a stable birth, simply because no one had room for them.

Do we have room for Jesus today? Is He the focal point in our days? Or is He being told there is no room (time) in our busy schedules?

Ironically, that was Christ’s first gift to us – HUMILITY. No one can be great until they humble themselves.

The Lord’s precious gifts to us don’t stop there. Throughout His life, He demonstrated CHARITY, oft proclaimed the greatest of virtue.

What do we do?

Take and take some more. Dollars will come and go, inflation continues to bounce up and down, yet, there is always something we can give, but so often forget to do. Rich or poor, we can give love, understanding, compassion, a kind word or deed or a warm smile on a cold wintry day. Gifts don’t always have to be equated with the material things in life. Our gifts from the heart are equally important and can be used to help feed our own lives as well as the lives of others.

W e can’t forget FAITH and HOPE. Faith is the belief in things we can neither see nor understand. Hope keeps things in proper perspective. Together, they lead to TRUST.

This Christmas, let us ask for help in attaining these virtues. And as a New Year resolution – which we can start today – let’s attempt to practice them in our daily lives.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Without “Christ” in Christmas we really have nothing to celebrate.

Merry Christmas to all of our readers. May the PEACE and JOY our Lord brought with Him so many years ago be with each and everyone of you.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet.

Posted in grace, holidays, love, prayer, relationships, spirituality | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Five Minute Friday — Adore

Posted on December 19, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

For the last time this year, here’s another installment of Five Minute Friday. The group is taking a two week hiatus for the holidays, but Kate promises we’ll be back in action come the new year.

The prompt this week is ADORE. The time is set, so let’s GO …

O come, let us adore Him …

We’ve heard the song a hundred times and it will probably be worked in Christmas Eve or Midnight services next week.

But, do we come to adore Him? Do we even know what that means? Or have we diluted the message with rote repetition?

Adoration is more than just loving a person. It is treating the person with respect reserved for a deity or, at very least, royalty. We come to the cradle to visit with the Babe, but do we acknowledge His status as King? As God?

The shepherds came to visit with this Baby, more, I think, out of curiosity than reverence. At least the wise men saw an unusual new star in the sky, and knew it told of the birth of a special king. They responded with gifts … strange gifts for a baby, but as an afterthought symbolically appropriate for the King of Kings — gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. It was actually Herod who understood who this Baby was.

Certainly, Jesus’ contemporaries didn’t get Him… STOP

In a little over three decades, His message was distorted and disregarded and He hung on a cross under a mocking sign, “King of the Jews”. His people — the Jews of His day — couldn’t make the connection.

What about us, removed by 2,000 plus years? Do we come to the creche because of curiosity? Or do we come in awe? Are we there because we followed the star or the crowd? Do we make the connection between the crude stable and the crude and violent cross? Do we recognize Jesus as King … resting on straw?

The wish of Christmas isn’t the glitter or the gold or the presents. It’s not the story of the season. It’s coming to the stable to see a Baby reflecting the love and respect of our God toward us. We come to adore the Babe for who He is, but also knowing He is proof God loves us and respects us.

O come let us adore Him…

Well, that’s my slightly longer than five minute contribution. I invite you to visit Kate’s place (http://katemotaung.com/2014/12/18/five-minute-friday-adore/)to what my other talented writers have contributed on the subject … ADORE.

And I wish all of you a Merry Christ-centered Christmas and a Happy, Holy New Year.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: My to-do list for today: Count my blessings … Practice kindness … Let go of what I can’t control … Listen to my heart … Be productive yet calm … Just breathe.

Posted in celebration, encouragement, Five Minute Friday, love, relationships | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Five Minute Friday – Prepare

Posted on December 13, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

It’s Saturday afternoon, which means I missed Five Minute Friday. Well, not exactly. The prompt gets posted on Friday and most people respond with a Friday post … but there are the occasional few who procrastinate {I’ll go with are so busy} and don’t get around to posting until Saturday or beyond.

Five Minute Friday is, of course, the brainchild of Lisa Jo Baker who recently capably turned the reins over to Kate Motaung. The purpose is to write unscripted for just five minutes on a prompt word of the week. Hundreds of us congregate at Kate’s place to share our work (http://katemotaung.com/2014/12/11/five-minute-friday-prepare/). It’s worth taking a look at their contributions.

This week’s prompt is PREPARE, so let’s set the timer and GO …

I’m the last person in the world who should be writing about prepare or preparation.

I was not prepared for college. I was not prepared for love. I was not prepared for marriage. I certainly wasn’t prepared for parenthood. I wasn’t prepared for the twists and turns of a career or life in general. I was not prepared for the  inevitability of death. I was not prepared for widowhood. In fact, I was not prepared to post on this particular prompt on time.

But I did prepare one thing in my life. When I received Confirmation way, way back when, I said a little prayer, one on one with God. It went like this.

“If I’m going to make this commitment today, Lord, I want to make it seriously and consciously. It’s all or nothing, Lord. I commit myself to You. I know I’ll make mistakes along the way, but there is nothing You and I can’t do together. Better yet, there is nothing I can do without You. I don’t want to be a … STOP

… casual Christian. I want to be an ambassador for You.”

I have failed many times and drifted from that statement of faith. But it has always been etched in my heart.

I got through college (two of them). I had my heart twitter a time or two. Marriage taught me it was a tango for two. I learned parenting skills on the fly. I never dreamed of a career in publishing, but that’s what transpired over nearly 50 years in five states. I learned about life by experiencing it … the good times and the rough times. My mortality was exposed with the death of my wife. I learned being a widow(er) is being alone with a piece of your heart missing. You move forward but it’s hard to dance without a partner … and that comes from a non-dancer. And, of course, it’s Saturday, not Friday. Enough said.

But, I never forgot those words spoken well over 50 years ago in a church pew in Paterson, NJ, while awaiting the bishop to make his rounds with the confirmands. I know I am prepared for eternity … and I know my Lord has a place prepared for me at His table.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: When you think time is running out, God is right on schedule.

Posted in encouragement, family, Five Minute Friday, prayer, relationships | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

On the Naughty List

Posted on December 6, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

“You’re gettin nuttin for Christmas
Dr. Mary is mad.
You’re gettin nuttin for Christmas
Cause you’ve been nuttin but the

bad.”

That was Dr. Mary’s holiday greeting last week when I went for my follow-up visit.

“What! Why?” I protested.

“Well,” she said, “your weight is up and your numbers haven’t improved. I expected more,” she answered with a smile.

I tried to defend myself. “It’s all the extra clothes … the extra sweatshirt and boots.” But she wasn’t buying it.

Actually, the blood report wasn’t all that bad, it just wasn’t up to her expectations {Dr. Kathy, where are you? You never yelled at me. You hugged me}. She set the bar high three months ago and I, well, didn’t clear it.

There is nothing too serious we’re dealing it. I’m overweight and on the lower end of the diabetes scale with a heart that beats to its own rhythm. My doctors — starting with Dr. Mary — are being cautious which is a good thing.

Normally there are a few red marks on my bloodwork reports. At my last checkup in July, there were five, indicating levels outside the “normal” range. This time around, there were only three — my cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels. But, while my cholesterol level decreased — thanks to a decrease in the bad cholesterol — my ratio remained the same because my good cholesterol went down as well. My glucose and insulin levels inched up. I honestly don’t understand the fasting glucose level spike, though, since my daily readings when I get up are in the more manageable 120 range.

“You haven’t been exercising, have you?” Dr. Mary pressed. “That helps, you know.”

She wouldn’t take a sore knee as an excuse and said getting up to get snacks was not considered exercise.

“And what did you eat yesterday?” she continued.

“I had two pieces of toast for breakfast …” “Carbohydrates,” she interjected. “What kind of bread?” “Nutty wheat … and a left over pork chop with stuffing for lunch …” “More carbs, and for dinner?” “I didn’t have dinner. There was a football game on so I had crackers and cheese.” She just shook her head. “More carbs. What about cheese and vegetables? Like a carrot or celery? Or fruit, like an apple?” Head bowed, all I could utter was “Ummm.”

“Do away with the wheat and your knee will feel better. Then you can at least walk or exercise. And stop eating carbs at every meal,” she scolded.

“Look, I know it’s hard. It’s a lifestyle change. It took me three years to transition to more healthy eating habits … and I knew better. Have eggs for breakfast, like an omelet with vegetables, just have a bowl of fruit or tuna or chicken for lunch without the bread. Then you can splurge with some carbs at dinner. Why waste them in the morning and during the day?”

As my punishment, she ordered a return visit in three months. “I wanted it to be nine or even 12 months,” she said. “I don’t want to visit you in the hospital and you know I love you and all my patients, but I really don’t want to see you more than once a year.”

I promised her I would try. I did. The other day I had a salad for lunch and snacked on carrots and celery with my peanut butter. But all of a sudden my nose started twitching like a bunny.

Go figure.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Six ethics of life: Before you pray — Believe. Before you speak — Listen. Before you spend — Earn. Before you write — Listen. Before you quit — Try. Before you die — Live!

Posted in doctor, encouragement, family, growing old, relationships | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Five Minute Friday: Dear …

Posted on December 5, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

Since Kate has taken over Five Minute Friday (http://katemotaung.com/2014/12/04/five-minute-friday-dear-and-an-e-book-for-you/), the word prompts have tended to more … challenging. Instead of just a single word, they tend to make you think about how the word pairs with other thoughts.

This week, the prompt is DEAR.

Here’s what came through my fingers from my mind. The timer is set, so let’s GO…

Dear Friends:

Happy Holidays!

It’s been a wild and wacky year for me, always keeping busy. I welcomed my second great-granddaughter and a granddaughter (grandchild No. 18). I visited with them with trips to Ohio (in January) and Massachusetts (in September) … just part of my travels this year that took me to the Jersey shore a couple of times and my second home — albeit not a physical place — in Maine a couple of times. A couple of other trips were sprinkled in to keep the odometer spinning as well.

The highlight was having my entire family visit — all five children, most of their children and most of their children’s children! The pretext was my grandson’s high school graduation but it turned into a perfect family reunion with some of the clan missing.

From there, I embarked on a four day journey with 10 of my grandchildren that included a trip to the Jersey shore, a stop at Carlo’s Bakery and time in New York City, including a visit to the Empire State Building. STOP

And I can’t forget celebrating my grandaunt’s 100th birthday and burying a close friend … both in August in New Jersey.

I’ve stayed busy at work, too. It’s not easy being the owner of a small business — which means you’re also the janitor  and everything in between.

Well, that catches you up. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Joe

After re-reading the text, I was reminded of what Ron Hutchcraft said just this week. In short, it was how Martha gets into the Christmas story. I even included it as my Higher Road feature in the paper this week and, of course, it can be found on his website, https://hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-mission/how-did-martha-get-in-the-christmas-story-7277.

These informative updates we send and receive all have a common theme … busyness. And that’s where Martha comes in. Remember? She was the sister who was so distracted by all the preparations that had to be made she didn’t spend the time with Jesus like her sister Mary.

At this time of year, we all seem to emulate Martha. It busy, busy, busy with work, meetings, school, Girl Scouts, basketball, boyfriends all competing with Christmas preparations. I’m with Ron on this one: “I’m realistic enough to know you’re not going to cancel all your plans … all the running around before Christmas. But if possible, how about lowering your expectations of yourself? Don’t try to do a year’s worth of everything in the next few days. And more importantly, stop right now and put a reserved sign on some prime time between now and Christmas. Commit yourself to quality time with Jesus each morning from now through Christmas. It will stabilize you during these stressful days. Wouldn’t it be ironic if Christmas actually crowded out your time with Christ?”

After all, Jesus is the reason for the season. Put Him first. Put your time with Him first. Make everything else fit around His time.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, wisdom to know the difference.

Posted in celebration, encouragement, family, Five Minute Friday, Hutchcraft, joy, Memories, relationships, things that matter, thinking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Social Experiment

Posted on December 4, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

102_2758I’m trying something new on Facebook. Each day, I pick a random photo or saying from my WordPress Reader and share it on my Facebook page … like today’s to the right. I include the introduction “Random photo for the day. What comes to mind?”

Well, obviously, the question of the day is, why?

Why not?

It’s just another way to use social media. There are no right answers and there are no wrong answers. It’s a way to give my followers a chance to expand their minds. It’s a chance to just take a random photo and personalize it.

I chose Reader art because it is not the recycled patter found on Facebook feeds. The photos correspond to a blog post … although the snap thought may not necessarily connect with the post.

Thus far, I haven’t received a lot of comments on the social experiment but, when I do, it’s generally, well, … interesting. Comments range from deep thought to whimsical, especially from my daughter’s significant other-in-law.

10698534_10203261723928354_1355322599075528234_nTake the photo to the right, for example, by far the most commented on pictures shared. Comments included “Follow your dream!!” … “Walking on a Cape Cod beach” … “The sound of the ocean and the millions of stars overhead. Humbling. Very humbling” … “This photo captures everything I love in nature! The moon, the stars, the ocean, and walking on the beach at night! Love it! Thanks for sharing” … “The lighthouse is my symbol of hope for the future!” … and, from Doug, “It’s going to be really hard to swim with that dress on. lol.”

imageBut the photo that sort of defied the content of the blog is again the one to the right. Written and posted under “Embracing Gothic Chic” by Abigail Royston at http://mygirlsontour.com/2014/12/03/embracing-gothic-chic/, the photo just caught my attention. I received just one comment, “Confidence. Happiness. And boy am I glad I don’t like to wear jewelry.”

For me, it wasn’t just the pretty face, but an inner beauty that radiated from within. I saw confidence and wholesomeness.
Here’s what Abigail was thinking.

“It seems as if my parents constant health & safety concerns have now rubbed off on me and slowly but surely I am becoming the most scaredy-cat person in the world… I am not a complete freak, but I realized the other day when I tried to worm my way out of Christmas cheer ice skating for fear of losing fingers and because ‘I was abroad and didn’t have my medical card’, that I was going to have to man up or risk missing out on some of life’s best adventures! So what better way to say goodbye to fear and comfort than to rock the gothic chic look! 🙂

“My outfit is one inspired by some of my biggest fears and phobias and provides an edgy twist on the traditional goth look. It is often said that bad things exist in the world to make us appreciate the good ones, so I wanted to emphasize the happiness, joy and power that comes in overcoming demons with the bright yellow blazer and pink shoes. The medallion belt that I wore as a bracelet gave me a touch of warrior power and provided me with a way of turning a chain or shackle into a powerful attitude. I decided to accessorize with lots of bling rings and Geisha Nails to continue the eye catching look.

“Since going on Tour I have proudly overcome my fear of flying and now I love it. I couldn’t even walk into a plane, so when I flew solo to China I really felt so proud of myself and elated 🙂 I still cross roads in an overly cautious manner, put my safety belt on in the car even when it isn’t moving, over cook chicken and walk home in the dark with the keys in my hands to slash my attacker in the face in case I get jumped… However I love climbing and don’t mind heights. I am not scared of an adventure, foreign countries, crowds, going outside… So GO ME!”

I didn’t see the fear — or overcoming that fear — in the photo, and I didn’t sense goth at all. But I did see “the happiness, joy and power” — which is so important for young women these days —  … even if it wasn’t for “overcoming demons.”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Happiness will never come to those who don’t appreciate what they already have.

Posted in encouragement, joy, Memories, relationships, thinking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Five Minute Friday — Give

Posted on November 28, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

In the spirit of thanksgiving, this week’s Five Minute Friday spins off the word GIVE. So, for the next five minutes, let’s give it shot.

The timer is set, so let’s GO

One of the traditions Karen and I stumbled upon and tried to give to our kids while they were growing up was watching Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas as our first Christmas movie of the season. Back in 1978 when it was introduced as a one hour special, my kids were nine, six and three, with two others still a twinkle in my eye. They looked forward to it when it was re-aired in 1980. It became a staple after its release to VHS tape in 1983, this time with 14, 11, eight and four year olds gathered around the bowl of popcorn staring with rapt attention to the television screen. And it remained a Christmas tradition almost continually since. Even after the kids left the nest, Karen and I would snuggle up to the DVD. I can’t count the times I wiped away a tear from Karen’s eyes {and battled my allergies} during the song When the River Meets the Sea.

I think the kids appreciated their first Christmas gift of the season. It was something we could enjoy together and even after they grew up, they seemed to migrate back home to watch the film, often with their children in tow.

Times change. I still try to share it with the grandkids whenever possible. But it might be time for a new tradition.

Friday night, I planned the show for three of my granddaughters… STOP

… My eight and nine year olds were not impressed and, in fact, spent more time “visiting” the kitchen for food and passing notes to each other than actually watching Jim Henson’s classic film. My 14 year old was quiet but I’m not totally sure how attentive she was. She had her tablet with her which, I think, commanded more of her attention.

I must say, my heart sank at their response. I understand the film is somewhat campy and the characters are puppets and marionettes — with strings easily seen. But it has a good message about taking a chance … about being good and doing good outweighing riches. It was and is a feel good story with then state-of-the-art production techniques. But it is 36 years old.

Call me old fashioned. Call me a traditionalist. Call me conservative. In fact, I’m looking forward to next week’s Peter Pan Live!

So, give me those memories … and give my grandchildren something that can build memories.

That’s my five minute plus rant for week. See what hundreds of others think at Kate’s place, http://katemotaung.com/2014/11/27/five-minute-friday-give/. You won’t be disappointed.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER:  Live your life … Take chances … Don’t wait because right now is the oldest you’ve ever been and the youngest you’ll be ever again.

Posted in children, family, Five Minute Friday, grandchildren, growing up, holidays, Memories, relationships, television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

On Notice

Posted on November 26, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

For last week’s Five Minute Friday post on the prompt NOTICE. I shared some observations, all kicking off with the prompt word., I ended the blog with the challenge, What about you, what have you noticed lately? (https://wisdomfromafather.com/2014/11/21/five-minute-friday-notice/ )

Well, you responded and I thought I would expand my thoughts with your thoughts.

Jane Anderson at http://talkkindnesstome.com/ contributed: I’ve noticed the more I think of others, the less I think of myself. I’ve noticed the more creativity I practice, the more creative I become. I’ve noticed the more I try to find the good in every day, the less I feel like the world if bad. I’ve noticed the more I focus on joy, the more joyful I am. I’ve noticed the less I worry, the more faith I have. I’ve noticed the less I think about what others think of me, the more I like who I am. I’ve noticed the more I trust God, the stronger my faith becomes. I’ve noticed the more I love God, the more I love all people.

Patty at http://http://pitterlepostings.blogspot.com/ added: I also notice how many people are alone. How many are wrapped up in their iPhones and their texting and not really communicating. I notice how many aren’t with their families. I notice how many seem to forget the things that are most important of all.

Helen  at http://iwillbloom.wordpress.com/ simply said, I’ve noticed how much I love FMF and love reading everyone’s responses to the prompts … so much honesty and love and creativity on display.

And with tongue-in-cheek {I think} DBP at http://vancouvervisions.com/ sent the following: I’ve noticed the word notice and derivatives thereof appear frequently on this page. I’ve noticed I always get your 5-min. Friday post on Tuesday. I’ve noticed I always feel pretty good after I’ve read it. I’ve noticed that for an introvert I’m talking a lot more these days. I’ve noticed that that seems to make my spirit happy. I’ve noticed it’s time to say God bless and I’ll read you later.

So there you go. Anything you notice?

As an aside, tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. To my family and friends I say, As we gather family and friends in spirit and in person to share a day Thanksgiving, remember to count your blessings. Remember to let those you love know how much you care for them and what a blessing they are to your life. Share the hugs, the pats on the back, hearty handshakes. Make a mental memory of the time going past. We are here for a fleeting moment in time. It is always the right time to say I love you; always the right time to say thank you; always the right time to say I’m sorry; always the right time to show kindness; always the right time for a prayer of Thanksgiving.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Open your soul and let God begin to paint your heart’s graffiti for all to see.

Posted in encouragement, Five Minute Friday, observations | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Saturday with Santa

Posted on November 22, 2014 by wisdomfromafather

I spent the better part of Saturday with Santa Claus.

Now, before I get pummeled with snowballs since we haven’t hit Thanksgiving yet, let me sort of explain as best I can. You see, every year around this time, I get an unexpected visit from the jolly old elf or one of his representatives. One year it was Agent 0070826980826981224943020723604485615082698 — otherwise known as Ralphie {see my post, https://wisdomfromafather.com/2012/12/23/the-gifts/} when I was on assignment in St. Thomas. Other times it was Santa’s reindeer {did you know they not only fly, but talk as well?}. Of course, his elves were frequent visitors. And Santa himself wasn’t a stranger, although the last time he actually visited with me was about 18 years ago when he got lost trying to find Willard/Romulus/Ovid.

Admittedly, most of my contact was in mid December, not prior to Thanksgiving. But Saturday was different.

Santa showed up unannounced at the back door. The dogs started barking until they saw the red suit and snow white beard are started backing off and cowering. The conversation went something like this …IMAG0898

“Santa?”

“Joe. Looking good. Yes, it’s me Santa.”

“Santa? What are you doing here?

“Well, I need a favor.”

Shaking my head still in somewhat disbelief, I said, “Okay. What do you need?”

“Well, I need a ride to Waterloo.”

“Ookaay. Why do you need to go to Waterloo and how did you get here?”

“I have a gig up there and I was going to fly there, but the sleigh lost altitude and snow and I got grounded in LeRoy.”

“Ookaay. How did you get here?”

“I used my nose trick.”

“Why do you have a gig in Waterloo?”

“Because I was asked. And you know after next week, I won’t have any extra time. Lots to do up at the North Pole. And you know the elves. They can’t be left unsupervised too long.”

“What about Elfis or Alf?”

“Those two. Two of the nicest elves I have but they’re both a few sticks short of a Lincoln log home, if you know what I mean.”

So, I got dressed and we got in the car to head north to Waterloo.

“How did you know I would be awake?” I asked him.

With a jolly laugh, Santa responded, “I knew you would be up. You might be napping in your chair but you would be awake.”

In between pointing and an occasional swerving car as occupants noticed my special passenger, we made our way to Waterloo where the jolly old elf made a grand entrance, worked the bazaar rooms and took his place of honor. Repeatedly he bellowed “Merry Christmas” to the young and old. I watched him have his picture taken with children and adult. He seemed to take pleasure panning for the cameras, listening to the young one’s hopes for Christmas morning. He was comfortable holding a three month old, had a sparkle in his eye when two young ladies asked for a picture with him and hugged a grandmotherly woman with warmth. He also knelt beside a one week old, gently adding a “God bless you” to his greeting.

I was awed by his gentleness. He actually sprinkled some “Christmas” dust in the air and perhaps, just perhaps, got the season off  to a good, wholesome start, remembering the festivities but also the reason for the season.

As we drove back, I asked Santa why he does these gigs.

“So I can remember what it’s all about,” he said. “It’s not just the kids … it’s the kid in all of us. It’s not just about the toys and games. It’s about family. It’s about simple faith. It’s about the promises and hope for future generations. When you hold a baby you know all is well with the world. When you hug a grandma you rekindle their faith in the future. That’s why I do these gigs. I need to be reaffirmed at times, too.”

There were lights flashing as I approached my house. “Ut Oh,” I said, but Santa burst into a jelly belly laugh and said, “Don’t worry. That’s the North Pole AAA just picking me and my sleigh up.” He slapped my knee and said, Have a happy Thankgiving.”

And laying his finger aside his nose, and giving a nod, he got into the funniest looking tow truck/sleigh I had even seen. He gave the team a whistle and off they went.

But I heard him exclaim as he cleared the wires, “Happy Christmas season to all … See you in a few weeks!”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: The good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

Posted in family, holidays, joy, love, relationships, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments