Editor, The Times:
“Mankind was my business,” cried Jacob Marley. He wailed, rattled his shackles, and howled.
“I wear the chains I forged in life.”
Chilling thoughts as consumers dash from shop to market, checking our lists, stuffing our stockings (perhaps ourselves) ensuring every one has been considered. But what of ourselves? What are we truly offering?
Scrooge was sent by Charles Dickens to remind us of the value of the human spirit. We may carry the spirits of past and present, yet have within us the ability to forge our future. Why not let mankind be your business … not through the profit of consumerism, but in the traffic of caring for others, feeding and supporting the human soul? How about a lifetime of peace and joy, throughout the entire year?
It need not be financial. Offering a kind word, or just a smile, speaks louder than money can shout. Providing a shoulder to cry on, even an understanding nod, contains greater value than the almighty dollar. If someone takes the parking spot you’d wanted … does it REALLY matter?!
This is a good time of year to reflect on our life’s mission (remember Scrooge?) and a good time to perform a reality check. Perhaps it’s more than rushing out to perform good deeds in the heat of seasonal passion. Why can’t the passion of caring last 12 months of the year?
This passion could extend to the caring of our own bodies and minds, caring for the very furnace that fuels our earthly existence. Do we forget about the pursuit of excellence in the quality of our lives? Our inner selves can be fed through peace and reflection, calm, and true awareness of our thoughts and actions. Our biggest challenge may be to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long. Thank you Mr. Dickens.
So, I wish you forgiveness for the past, focus for the present, and hope for the future. May every forest trail lead to peace. In an era of uncertainty, violence and world troubles, we have the ability to brighten each others’ lives, easing discomfort through kindness.
Please don’t forget about the power of laughter, a proven strategy of stress relief, even easing the burden of illness and pain. Laughter promotes healing. What a wonderful thing to laugh.
All of this can’t promise you a place in Heaven, but contains the likely promise of a lifetime of peace and joy.
Norma Watt
Clearwater, B.C.
