Yes, I am a very spiritual person, but I also cling fast to my old Catholic upbringing. Last night I was laying bed listening to some "get down" gospel Christmas music. Vanessa Williams was singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" It really is an exquisite version of the song. Her voice is so direct and tender when she says, "he will bring us goodness and light." I've been a big Vanessa Williams fan for many years and her Christmas CD "Starlight" is one of the best. So where am I going with this? Simple, he will bring us goodness and light. Jesus. Last night while listening to this on headphones in the dark, I honestly felt like God was aware of me. I was so into the song and once when she sang that line, this HUGE smile came across my face. I felt so in tune with God, my spirituality and everything that makes me who I am.
Whether or not you believe in Jesus, you can't dismiss the message. Basically, he could have been 0ne of the Beatles. He really does tell us that all we need is love. But his message goes farther than this. He believes and preaches about the perpetuation of love and goodness. He tells us to treat others the way we want to be treated. I like to believe that I really do try to be that person. I try to perpetuate goodness and light. It really is our duty as human beings. You don't have to believe in God, just believe in a higher power. Believe in karma. Believe in energy. You do get what you give. So you have to give love, positive energy, light, laughter and goodness. By doing that, you will not only make the world a better place, you'll feel better. You'll be happy. You'll feel like I did last night when I smiled at the lyric "he will bring us goodness and light." You can be Him. You can be that person who perpetuates love and goodness. It's really not that hard to do.
Thanksgiving is this Thursday and I have so much to be thankful for. First and foremost, if you're reading this I'm thankful you're a part of my life. I'm thankful to be close to my family again. I'm thankful for the amazing friends that I have. I'm thankful for all the love in my heart. I'm thankful for my new job, as well as Russ's his new job. I'm thankful for my health and above all, the gift of life.
Typically, I spend Thanksgiving alone. I have for years. I outgrew being the "orphan" at other families' tables. Don't get me wrong, every family who ever brought me in has a special place in my heart. And if you're one of those families who takes in people on Thanksgiving, you're the epitome of what I've written. You do spread goodness and light. I just chose to spend the day alone all these years to reflect on what I'm thankful for. However, this year I have been feeling down about the approaching holiday. I was dreading spending the day alone. Tonight, my friend Jason invited me over and I am so happy. I will have a big breakfast with Russ and possibly a guest or two. Then later on Russ will venture to NH with his family and I'll go to Jason's. Then we'll meet up with other friends and have a few cocktails and call it a night.
So over the next few days, reflect on what you're thankful for. Reflect on the many ways you've been blessed in your life. Perpetuate love, light, laughter and goodness. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Remember the golden rule and do unto others the way you would have them do unto you. Be kind. Be gentle. Be compassionate. Love IS all around. Perpetuate it even more. Life is too short for anything less.
May you and yours be blessed this Thanksgiving and my the Powers That Be keep you in their good graces.
