The problem with Christmas is it comes at the wrong time of year.
The weather is lousy for travelling. Businesses have their end-of-the year affairs to wrap up, making that day off work a luxury they can scarce afford. And the bonus — if there is one — always falls short of completing that wish list.
So bah, humbug.
But that bit about the Christ child is cool.
A savior.
Wow.
And that’s all it takes to turn the conversation warm and fuzzy. To feel your heart beat deep within, knowing we are designed to do good. The brow unfurrows, realizing what may send us into panic mode is in truth, manageable. That with faith, we can see our way past hard times, knowing we must work through, not around, the problem.
When our focus remains too tethered to the here and now, we lose sight of the big picture and the ability to better direct its trajectory.
This time of Advent is about preparing our hearts. Losing the bravado and finding humility. Feeling the joy of good fortune, as well as the pain for those without.
It’s a time of giving because you can.
AS THE year winds down open up your hearts, and pocketbooks, to those in need. The community has myriad services in need of additional funds, including the food pantries in Iola and Humboldt; Iola’s shelter for battered women and children, Hope Unlimited; the CASA program that aids children who must appear in court to testify in cases of abuse or neglect; Faith House, Chanute’s homeless shelter that also serves the Iola and Humboldt areas; and the effort to buy playground equipment for children with special needs.
Gifts to all these endeavors are tax-deductible, making year-end giving all the more attractive.
Christmas. It couldn’t come at a better time of the year.
— Susan Lynn
