The Day After

It’s the day after Christmas and as usual, people are super festive. Typical unsolicited greetings and cheer fill my ears and the air as I was out and about today. It’s not something I’m unaccustomed to. Today is part and parcel the same as every other day. Here and in my country of origin, the holiday season seems to remind us that we are all human. The holidays seem to remind us that we are fellow travelers on this road of life. The holiday season seems to be the only time this is prevalent.

During the remainder of the year, we seem to go about our own lives and our business as usual. We seldom pay attention to those outside of our circle. If not within our sphere, we, well at least I, tend to ignore others. I tend to isolate. I tend to keep to myself until I feel disconnected. Then and only then will I begin to initiate contact with others.

At this time of year, if you’re like most people, and myself in years past, you begin to reflect on the year and your accomplishments. This year I got more finished than I thought. I made progress in areas I wasn’t aware I wanted to explore. Today as I think of what I did this previous year, I think about my successes and failures. I think of what I could have done differently and more effectively. I’ve begun to amass the tools and people I need to move forward and it’ll be interesting to see how they complete various phases of my plan.

Today, Monday, December 26, 2022, I am grateful that:

I got some rest. It’s challenging working at night. The graveyard shift is taking its toll on my mind and mentality. It’s definitely requiring more effort than I knew, so rest is required.

I got a chance to spend Christmas Eve with friends. Four great people I’ve met since living here. I enjoy them all. Great fellowship, great food, and meaningful conversations. How could I not be grateful?

I’ve got work. It’s something I’ve taken for granted more than once. When present it’s easy to neglect. When absent, it’s easy to long for. Today is a day I’m grateful. Tomorrow could be different.

Are you in the holiday spirit?

Did you spend time with those you enjoy?

Did you remind them of how special they are to you?

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!