Essence of Christmas

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." - Lao Tzu

We are in that special season again when everything is in full swing – parties, shopping, old friends’ get together – uncanny as it may seem for some, even the unselfishness in everyone is radiating. 

It was a random post that got my attention one afternoon this week. It is about an old man trying to buy a pair of shoes for his grandson but he doesn't have enough to cover the purchase. What happened next took me unawares.  Someone among those people staring offered to shoulder the payment instead. That is to say a wonderful person - full of the milk of human kindness. And so the child was in seventh heaven – a merry Christmas indeed. 

I feel like people are kinder and more accepting this time of the year. I hope every day is Christmas so we would bring out the goodness in ourselves. Giving is not only on material things but also those not seen by the naked eyes. I am in no position to dictate what is essential for us this Christmas, but whatever it is, I am sure that happiness for everyone is what we seek to achieve. Merry Christmas!

Nugget of Wisdom

“The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.” - Hubert H. Humphrey

Do you find it odd when old friends contact you out of the blue? Well for me, no. Because this moment at the very least, you get a blast from the past. Last week, I got the chance to talk with an old friend and it did bring back memories.

We weren’t close in college but we talked and hung out. It was after the car accident that took away someone dear to him that we began to really connect. Then it seemed like the sky was falling down on him after a streak of bad luck – a rather unsettling experience. After graduation, we went on with our lives and I think we kind of lost touch along the way.

It has been nine years since we last talked and I did not hesitate to ask how he has kept strong with all that has happened to him.

I heard a deep breath and then came these words. “I am not strong but that’s what we do as adults, Jerry. We suck it up and move on. You fought with your girlfriend. Talk, understand, listen, apologize, and move on. You’re diagnosed with cancer. You have the right to be depressed but fight like hell to survive, and move on. A loved one died. Take your time to mourn, connect with friends for support, and then move on.” His voiced cracked and I heard a sob on the other end but he continued. “Bad things happen, but you know what, you have to continue living.”

My heart melted. I wanted to say a lot but I couldn’t collect my thoughts and I found myself gasping for words. I said ‘Thank you’ in however modest way and then just let the silence speak. 

 

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