Christmas Gift Suggestions

Advent Day #25, Living Advent Quote of the Day is:
"Christmas gift suggestions:
to your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect."
– Oren Arnold

And Michael's prompts were as follows:
Who is the enemy you can forgive?
      I try my best not to have enemies.  But there are a few people with whom I have sparred on the Internet.  And, yes, there are some people I have even blocked or unfriended on FB.  I could forgive these people, I guess, but they have not asked for forgiveness.  I could seek them out, but I am not sure that would end well.  So, they remain blocked and unfriended.  Sad, yes, but reality.

Who is the opponent you can offer tolerance to… a truce?
      Since the last response was a little heavy, I will be a bit whimsical in this reply.  I am about to spend this coming weekend with my In-Laws and Sarah's Brother-In-Law is a Washington Redskins fan.  So, for this family holiday, we need to have a truce and I will tolerate his fandom of the Eagles' opponents this week....well, until the game is in heat of the moment, then we will see.  :-)

Who is the friend who needs your heart?
       I have a lot of friends for whom the holidays have a darker side.  For some, the holidays bring out thoughts of prior (or even current) losses and heartbreaks.  For them, they are in my prayers and, if there is a way I can offer my heart, a hug, a kind word, or something else, I hope they let me know.

The neighbor you can serve?
       One of our neighbor's son was seriously injured in a wrestling accident in this past week.  We are all banding together, as a community, to help them.  People are bringing food.  People are doing errands.  People are shuttling kids.  I love my town.

The child you mean to be a good example for?
       There is not one specific child I can identify for this answer.  The basic answer are my two daughters.  But I think, as a society, we should be good examples for all of the children in our lives. This is why I value so much my volunteering in OMAYSC, Little League, Colls Rec Basketball, and more.

How could you show yourself greater respect?
       Sleep.  I need more sleep.

And what could it look like to share “the love of God”
(which is technically what “charity” means) in some real way to all people?
       For me, sharing the love of God is living my life in a way I hope God intended me to live.  Being caring, being loving, helping others, being positive, trying to be an example for others.  This is what I strive to do.  I know I do not always reach the target.  But, none of us is perfect, and we can just continue to strive to be better each day!

And I pray for all - prayer can be helpful to others, but can also be helpful to self.  As Psalm 2 states"
"Happy are all who take refuge in him."

Happy Christmas Eve Eve and Goodnight!