I am always amazed by the holiday season...everything looks so festive, and Christmas music is everywhere you go, it seems that one would be perpetually in a good mood, as if every mall you enter in to is a passport straight to Santa's workshop.
About eight years ago, I had shoulder surgery that left me in a sling over the Christmas holidays. And, as my unfortunate luck would have it, I repeated it this holiday season. However, it was the lack of my ability to use my right arm that has since prompted my resolution for the holiday season. It started the first winter I had my arm in a sling. I was traveling to New York to visit, and I had carried on my suitcase. And, as I struggled to place my luggage in the overhead compartment, I was pushed around by men in suits and other travelers, anxious to get to their seats. No one was offering to help me, until an elderly woman asked if she could. This woman was probably over eighty, but she was the only one who offered to help me. And that has stayed with me.
I am always amazed at the selfishness of other people during this time of year. Perhaps I notice it more, because this should be the season for giving and remembering to love thy neighbor. But, take away one arm, and you suddenly become increasingly aware of people's true nature. I think it's because you actually rely on others to help you out - hold open the door for you, for example.
It's my hope that people forget to help one another because they're so involved and concerned for their own families that they fail to notice those who really need help. I choose to look at it that way because it's just too depressing to see it the other way.
My holiday resolution, therefore, is to take notice of others around me. I want to give more of myself to other people and help where I know help is needed. Cousin Frankie told me that you always know the right thing to do. You always do. The problem becomes whether or not you choose to do the right thing. And I want to make a conscious effort to do that. I want to right the past wrongs in my life and give and receive forgiveness where it's been missing. I want to step into another person's shoes and appreciate life from their point of view.
Helen Keller said, "Be kind; for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle." And I'd like to remember that and help others along the way.
