“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.”— Swedish proverb
December seems like such a busy time of year as we try to fit everything in before the holidays. We have winter concerts, school parties, church programs, and sporting events all over the calendar. We attended the 3rd/4th grade winter program last Thursday. They did a great job, and it was fun to see their excitement. The theme of their program was celebrating the holidays across different countries and different traditions, and it was a great message for us all to remember. It was a gentle reminder to take time to appreciate the diversity around us, as well as to breathe and enjoy this time of year.
It seems that this time of year is more focused around giving than any other time of the year. We are typically more aware of those in need during this time of the year. Our family tradition is to adopt a family to purchase gifts for Christmas. My kids love this tradition and hopefully are starting to understand the old saying “It is better to give than to receive”. As a facility, we participate in raising money for the Employee Holiday Hardship Fund, and we try to lend a helping hand where we can. I have personally challenged myself to look beyond the financial support and see if I can also help with encouraging words or being a source of support for others. The holidays are not always the happiest times for everyone. With this in mind, I challenge you as well. Are there ways you could help lighten someone’s load with some kind words or a well-timed hug? Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is that of support. Take time for your own well-being, and if you can, reach out and offer a hug or a conversation to someone that looks like they could use it.
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”— Walter Winchell
