Holidaze

Now it starts!

We headed to Target for hunting and gathering. We went for dishwashing soap and extension cords. We came out with those items PLUS: grape juice, baggies, tin foil, cling wrap, blood-orange fizzie juice, a warm jacket and of course a few gifties and wrapping paper.



How did that happen?


The place looks like it was stormed and abandoned. Discouraged looking employees shuffling around picking things up and wondering where to put them. A few carts wheeling around, caring not for toes or valuables. Others sat blocking the electronics aisle, the shoppers staring in a daze wondering, "What am I doing?"

Though not the Reason for the Season, it is fun to give gifties away ya gotta admit! And it's funn-est to wrap things!) The truth of the matter is it's really funner to go shopping for other people!

We think, "mmm, stockings, let's just do stockings this year and maybe one present each."

We think that every year!
For the 34 years of marriage!
THIS YEAR WE REALLY MEAN IT!
So there.

Most loved ones would rather receive $$ anyway, not cuz they're greedy, but cuz they need to have food and a roof and pay for school. Those are good reasons. They all are doing good in this world. That was my hope.

So feast your eyes on what Target is offering this Christmas Season...and enjoy it, but maybe only...Vicariously.

Because after getting home from a frenzied hour of grabbing and collapsing for a nap I realize: it really wasn't a Great Deed. Rather I'm feeling guilty and dirty and that hotdog and cherry coke are upsetting my stomach.

I take comfort in the sermon this a.m. at church. We mused about the philosophy of Dr. Suess and his story of compassion triumphing over selfishness and prejudice: "Horton Hears a Who".

We can give to Habitat for Humanity or The Heifer Project. We can do good secretly for those needing goodness. We can help at a library (http://www.folusa.org/) or read to kids. Write a letter to friends and family.

Don't you just love to get mail! (the other kind!) Kids and older folk love it! Take comfort in giving, giving, giving however you do it...now my stomachache eases.

Like a stagnant pool, blocked at either it's source or its outflow,we become sick and useless when we do not give. Our hearts subsist on giving, growing, loving.



And it feels so wonderful!