This year, 2020, has been filled with so much stress, apprehension, and uncertainties. The pandemic has affected us all. It has permeated our health, education, and economic ways of life. I have also had recent health issues that have caused me to make lifestyle changes.
We simply can no longer take things for granted. We can no longer assume that our jobs, health, social life, and practices of faith will be "as they always were." We must find new and innovative ways to meet our needs, and the needs of those around us.
In fact, it may just be time for us to reevaluate our core values. Are we spending our time and resources on those things that are truly meaningful; those things that give us the deep joys of life that we desire. Are our relationships with family and friends becoming closer? Is our faith walk becoming more meaningful and deeper?
Mitch Albom's book, "Have a Little Faith," is a poignant journey of faith as the author becomes closer to his childhood Rabbi, the Reb. The author has been asked, well in advance, to speak at the Reb's funeral. The Reb, after being asked many times by the author, relates his secret for happiness.
"So we have solved the secret of happiness?" "I believe so," he said. "Be satisfied." "Be grateful." "For what you have. For the love you receive. And for what God has given you." "That's it." ("Have a Little Faith," pg. 102, Mitch Albom, 2009)
We are prone to make things complicated, to try to do too much, to overfill our lives with activities and hectic busyness. I pray that we all make good and safe decisions through the Covid reality, and that we find peace and comfort in what we have by using the time that God gives us to grow closer to him. Let us put the important things foremost in our lives, our lives will be richer for it.
Have a joyous and truly meaningful holiday season as we prepare for the birth of our Savior.
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