A Beautiful Season

It could truly be a beautiful season, a wonderful start to a new year. December is full of exclamations of peace on Earth, good will toward man, and miracles.  I suppose if the peace on Earth and good will toward man came true, it would be a miracle!

Chanukah, Kwanza and Christmas share many sentiments, pride in heritage, love of family/friends, and the joy found in community.  All religions, along with the simple golden-rule we learn in Kindergarten, share the belief that if you act thoughtfully, compassionately (do unto others) you will live peacefully and contentedly (as you would have them do unto you).  If only human beings would practice what we preach.

The lights that glow so brightly during this holiday season, whether as a single candle in a window, a blinking display outlining a home, the lighting of a seven-candle candelabrum, or the lights of a Menorah should all awaken us to the realization we are not only all the same but also we are all connected!  Each of us simply wants to live our lives, whether lasting one day or 100 years, in peace with healthy, happy loved ones.  Loved ones who have the ability to excel in whatever they sense as fulfilling their heart, their inner desire.  The traits we were taught on the playground, sharing, not hitting, listening to others, all of these qualities if exhibited by adults AFTER grade school, would certainly make this world a better place.

What if we shared the abundance that is opportunity, the chance for each and every one of us to thrive to our fullest potential? Why do some fight that simple idea?  Imagine, as John Lennon wrote, “all the people, living life in peace”.   Fairness, the belief that what is controllable in life, is fair, makes a world of difference.  Things happen in life that certainly are not fair; disease, accidents, disasters, I certainly could never even approach understanding why they happen. However, I can understand the frustration that arises when not being treated fairly in a controllable situation is someone’s reality.  Why should some people, simply because their families earned more money long before they were born, have access to the most amazing schools, healthcare, and education while simply due to the exact opposite circumstance, some do not have those opportunities.  Is that fair?  Is that controllable?  Of course it’s not fair and of course it is controllable.  Those who claim to be “pro-life”, where do you fall on this issue?  Should all children born be awarded the same “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”?

Last summer I was on a wonderful cruise with my family and friends.  At one point, we passed a luxury, executive suite.  It was then that I understood the meaning of we “are all in the same boat”.  They may have a better view, a larger place to stay, a bigger balcony, but if the ship sinks, they are going down right along with the rest of us.

We live in a world full of riches, full of brilliance, full of love and hope, and yet we squash it for so many and then act surprised and appalled when they react violently, angrily.  This is a season that could teach all of us so very much.  I see it every day in the retail store where I work.  There are so many good, truly good-hearted, well-intentioned, people.  They buy hundreds of dollars worth of toys for underprivileged children, yet, I wonder…if you asked these same people to raise their taxes $5 a month to provide education and food for these same children, would they fight it?  Would they call it Socialism?  Would they say that giving takes away the ambition and drive of these poor children?  Why is it okay to give them a game but not afford them the ability to survive and thrive in reality?  Why is one act of giving socialism and the other charity?  Is it the simple introduction of the government sharing this responsibility that makes it evil to some?  How else could this possibly be achieved?

If each person is afforded the opportunity to eat a balanced diet, obtain a well-rounded education and have a safe neighborhood, how can that possibly not help all of us?  We are only as strong as the weakest link.  One group feels oppressed and they blow up a building of innocents trying to better the lives of their families.  This unfair violence then results in those hurt retaliating, and the cycle continues.  It’s ridiculous and it has to stop.  In our hearts, we know better.  Instead of blowing each other up, why not build each other up?  It has to be cheaper and in truth, much more fun and rewarding.  It is also much more in keeping with the teachings of all the major religions and the golden rule.

This holiday season, no matter what or why you light your candles, I hope the glow of the flame warms all hearts and softens all attitudes. Giving the gift of opportunity and fairness will lead to peace on Earth and a happier existence for everyone.  Shouldn’t the quest for peace in our heart and world be what we strive for each and every moment of our brief existence? That realization in the hearts of all is the miracle I am hoping for this holiday.

Enjoy, be safe, be happy and remember; we are all in this thing together.

Happy Holidays!