We’re into the final sprint before Christmas and I have brought almost all the Christmas presents on my list.
I had my first fruit cake of the season this afternoon, which is kind of a high point of any holiday for me, so I am starting to think about Christmas wishes - what I could make happen if I had a magic spruce branch I could wave.
First, I think I would make life turn around and be happy for the little guy whose adult was yelling at him in the parking lot a few days ago. I am not judging the adult. I don’t know what he was dealing with or what he had gone through. But I felt bad to my core for the boy, who was three, or maybe four. At that age, life ought to be warm and happy,
At that age, life ought to be warm and happy, and I would make it that way for him, if I could.
Second, I would wish that everyone would have enough to eat from now through Christmas. It’s hard to imagine in our society that people don’t have enough food, but, sadly, it is the case.
And I think I would wave the branch and make myself a better person. I’ve never thought of myself as a bad guy, but I can look back and see plenty of opportunities to be helpful that I didn’t take. I’d like to do better.
Fourth, I would make the snowflakes and the lumps of coal mend their political ways and look toward the common good instead of their own interests. I might make up some bumper stickers: “Democracy Before Dysfunction.”
Lastly, I would wish for an end to suffering, sorrow, despair and grief. Or if not an end, at least a holiday respite from them.
They are all part of the human experience, but it sure would be nice if they didn’t exist for a while.