I think we've all been through challenges at times. A life without contrast is one that fails to prompt decisions that lead to growth. These challenges can come at any and every stage of one's life and at any time of the year. It gives you pause. You can ask yourself, "What now?"
That question opens the door to new possibilities, seeing things differently and the opportunity for growth. That is what I was considering as this year's poem came to me. Am I aware of what I am aware of, what I'm focusing on? Anyone who has ever driven knows that when your attention gets diverted while behind the wheel that your car will go in that direction unless you snap to and realize what's happening, resume being present in the moment.
There is always obvious and plentiful good that surrounds us. We just simply need to be aware of it and focus on the positive while understanding that in a universe of infinite variety, the opposite of that will also always exist. Make better choices for yourself and your life story will benefit. Bless everyone else for doing the best that they can with the choices that they are also free to make. I feel that is the best that can be done and it is enough.
Please have a wonderful holiday season.
Christmas 2023
By Richard Perrotti
Oft times you might feel uncertain,
Of what anything’s truly about.
Even when love ought to be flowing,
You still might feel clouded by doubt.
This perception is far from uncommon,
Throughout our whole universe.
Where anything and everything
Can be viewed as both blessing and curse.
The story surrounding King Herod
At the time of Jesus’ birth
Was he ordered the slaughter of innocents,
And unleashed great anguish on earth.
Doesn’t this ring so familiar,
As we gaze at our world torn by war?
Our focus on this fosters sadness
But within your heart there’s a cure.
Some celebrate the holidays grandly.
Others stage a violent coup.
Know that many of the truths we cling
to
Depend greatly on our own point of
view.
Understand, if you can, that you live
in
Infinite, unlimited variety.
There’s always going to be choices,
To focus, experience and thus be.
In our world we celebrate Christmas
At the darkest time of the year.
Thus, our decorative lights shine their
brightest,
Inspiring warmth and good cheer
Shine your light on the good that
surrounds you,
On what others might fail to see.
Feel the joy that this will bring you.
It’s the most precious gift under the
tree.
