My desperate need for laughter is fulfilled whenever I read to children. My longing to remember where I came from is satiated when visiting the elderly. As a military wife who has moved many times, the desire to feel like I belong no matter where I am is helped along every time I facilitate or teach a class about anything of which I’m knowledgeable (writing a resume or boxing up a household with a minimum of packing supplies).
My time in the poorhouse was shared by a man who couldn’t read, write or speak well. No one knew how he might help out until the dishes of food ran low. Much like the story of Christ and the fishes and loaves, he took the sparse remains of the cupboard and somehow managed to whip up a tasty — and ample — feast. He was friends with an equally illiterate woman who’d found a sewing kit in a box of donations. She sat in the corner of the dining area and mended every loose seam, torn fabric, and stray button brought to her attention.
The beauty of giving is that in most cases you don’t have to be invited to attend - and you won’t be turned away when you show up. No matter who you are or what you don’t have, that itself is a nice gift.
We could spend the holidays lamenting our lacks, but unless you asked Santa for a spiraling sense of loss and hopelessness, that’s not going to cut it. The time-honored tradition of sharing is where it all started, so perhaps that’s where we should go: back to the beginning.
Article comments
1 - Mark Buckingham
Very good piece, Diana. Identifies with this series perfectly, and conveys a message the world could stand to hear more often.
2 - Victor Plenty
Beautiful to see the true spirit of Christmas shining through so brightly in this commentary from an atheist perspective.
Too many who call themselves Christians are using this time to complain about the horrific oppression of hearing people great each other with the phrase "Happy Holidays," or to whip themselves into a frenzy of fear about the communist revolution they imagine is about to occur in the White House. Yet the ancient power of human love and togetherness is still alive.
Perhaps, while there is yet time in this holiday season, many of those fearful Christians will lay aside their fears and come back to the higher values of charity and hope that have empowered their faith to better the lives of millions across the globe.
3 - Clavos
Excellent, well written piece, Diana.
You beautifully evoke what should be, but too often isn't, the real meaning and spirit of the holiday season.
Thanks for a very enjoyable interlude.
4 - Baritone
My wife and I were a bit chagrined when, during the past couple of weeks, we sought somewhere to volunteer our time for Thanksgiving. There are a number of organizations that provide meals and other services to the poor and homeless in the Indy community.
We could find none that wanted any help. However, they all wanted money. I am hardly opposed to giving money to charitable and/or non-profit groups. We do so with some regularly. However, as our business has been in the dumpers for some time owing to the economy and the housing mess, we have curtailed most of our monetary giving, at least until things get better and money starts flowing more readily again. I even had one woman hang up on me when I repeatedly deflected her requests for money.
I don't know if any of this really means anything, but its a bit deflating to know that our time, our abilities have no value even to charities, that the only thing of value we can give is money.
B
5 - Diana Hartman
Mr. B, it's sad to hear anyone would turn you and your wife away when offering what is in shortest supply: manpower.
Fortunately, Volunteer Match and Interfaith Ministries both have ample need of someone willing to donate their time.
It's worth noting that the best volunteer opportunities (most fun, look really good on a resume) are often offered to (read: made known to) those who volunteer throughout the year - not just around the holidays. Even a couple of hours a month all year long will get you more "in" than limiting one's time to the month of December.
6 - Terri Barnes
Diana: This is beautiful! I'm proud to call you my friend.