christmas lights (Photo credit: harold.lloyd)
While we dream of a White Christmas, children in a dusty street dream of shoes to wear
While we stuff the turkey and then our bellies, many are digging through garbage for dinner
While we share enchanted kisses under the mistletoe, someone somewhere is suffering violence at the hands of a loved one
As we carefully wrap gifts in shiny paper a laid off dad unwraps an envelope containing a bill he can’t pay
As we go caroling and attend plays and parties, the old man down the street cries tears of loneliness, feeling abandoned
While we fill our spare bedrooms and pull out couches with family and friends, a single mom and her children sleep in the street
And as we deck the halls and our homes with sparkling lights, many are searching for just a glimmer of hope
I write all this, not to upset anyone, or make anyone feel guilty for enjoying your Christmas and family. ENJOY your family, really take the time to enjoy each and every one of them! Look into their eyes when they are speaking, pay attention and show your love abundantly. If you are among the blessed, be thankful for your blessings and don’t you dare complain!
Be the glimmer of hope for someone, whether you think they deserve your attention or not. After all, when we think about the true meaning of Christmas, isn’t it about a gift of love we didn’t deserve? Don’t let anyone on your street be hungry, hopeless or lonely this Christmas season. If we all do that, think of what we would accomplish!
Long walks and dark chocolate 
Wow Lisa! This really hit home! We have so much to be thankful for, especially when there are so many others who have little or nothing in comparison. Thanks for this very timely reminder of what Christmas is all about: remembering that Jesus is the reason for the season and that just as we have our hope in Him, so can we be the glimmer of hope for another human being. Be blessed, and happy holidays.
Thank you, I am chuckling because I must have been commenting on your post at the same time you were commenting on mine. Thanks for stopping by and taking time out of your day to read my thoughts – I was preaching to the choir in that one 🙂
Reblogged this on Living Life: Day by Day and commented:
So are you glimmering or griping? At Christmas we may not have everything we want or think we need. It’s easy to complain. We all do it. Yet what most of us have in our lives (and what we take for granted) is in some instances so much more than others.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on Lisa’s words and take them to heart. Let’s actively try to be that glimmer of hope in a hopeless life … because it’s the right thing to do … especially during the holidays.
Reblogged this on Long walks and dark chocolate and commented:
Another I write a while back, but still a good message!
Amen to that sister!