As has become our tradition, once again as we gathered for our family gift exchange, before opening a present the recipient shared a ‘thank you’ for something that happened in the past year. We have moved past ‘I am thankful for this present’ to many thoughtful and specific messages of gratitude for someone in our life, for work situations, for good health in challenging situations, for new life, relationships that were enriched, etc.
After the last affectionate goodbye, the door was closed to keep out the winter air that was eagerly swooping across the floor. The Christmas lights were turned out, and one more note of thankfulness poured from my heart. This was indeed a time of shared hope in a sometimes dark world that comes swooping into our lives. We were left with a warm glow and a legacy of hearts that spoke life-giving messages perhaps not heard enough throughout the year. We were all recipients of the wonderful hope-filled message that there is much good and light in our world. Small acts of kindness did make a difference. Hope in our Creator permeates and can renew all situations. That’s a gift we are thankful for and wish for everyone.
Anytime thankful hearts embrace others is truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Serena Manitoba!
