I have received so many gifts this past year I could grow old trying to write all the thank you notes. I wish I could place a physical gift under all your trees.
On one of the grief support group sites someone posted 12 gifts for those in mourning this time of year. Those gifts have inspired these–my holiday wishes for all of you.
First, health. As my grandfather said, without it, all the wealth in the world is worthless.
Second, unconditional love. Conditional love is a poor substitute for the real thing. Love others as you would be loved.
Third, friendships based on unconditional love. Even marriage needs a sound basis in friendship for those days when there is stress and strain (list of top sources of stress). If every marriage were based on friendship and unconditional love there would be fewer divorces.
Fourth, forgiveness. The most powerful moment in my life was on the day before Jane went into the hospital. We were sitting on the couch together and she said, “I want you to know you have never done anything wrong in this relationship–and anything you think you have done wrong I want you to know I forgive you for it.” Be forgiving and accept forgiveness.
Fifth, patience. It is its own reward. Cultivate it.
Fifth, true humility. None of us does anything alone, even when we think otherwise.
Sixth, the strength and ability to cry.
Seventh, the strength and ability to laugh.
Eighth, the ability to share both of the above with others.
Ninth, the ability and strength to say NO at need and make it stick. (I have taken this from the aforementioned list for those in grief. The nice thing about this form of re-gifting is no one needs to give up the gift to offer it to another. It is something we all need.)
Tenth, the ability and strength to say YES to the experiences–both old and new–that will help us grow as individuals and as a people.
Eleventh, courage to face the times ahead when they become difficult.
Last, wisdom that we may learn from both our own mistakes and those of others, that we may be able to discern the difference between the right paths and the wrong ones, and that we may know when to act–and when not to.
Open each of these gifts in your heart. May they bless us, each and every one.
