"We are on that anticipatory time correctly named Advent, and even nature feels it and expresses it as the maple tree does in the photo. The bark is shedding with the leaves, yet the tree is as beautiful in the fall as in the spring and summer. In winter I will recall its prior beauty, for the tree recedes to dormancy now, pondering its next moves, gathering resources for a springtime explosion of further change and growth.
The above paragraph provides a metaphor for our national situation. Patience is needed, including recollection of past political crises, and a need to plan for the coming rebirth when the unwanted, the unneeded is shed like outgrown bark and leaves.
In this season of Advent I should take time as the tree does, to patiently and deliberately plan for a personal and even national rebirth."
"reaching out to the lonely' . I am alone this Christmas and I make several attempts and tests even among religious groups to see how charitable they were by telling them that I was spending alone and I didn't receive one single invitation to share a cup of coffee or to share a meal. Conclusion: People are just as greedy and self-centered during the Holy-Days , if not more. I grew up in a dysfunctional family but there was a meal and a room at the inn for everyone.. People who didn't have much to share. but found a way for everybody to be included. In this world, a lot of talk about good will towards men but no concrete action, even by a religious group who likes to brag about a fantastic Christmas while knowing I am all alone. So insensitive. They call themselves me of Gog but in my opinion they're not. 'Don't tell me about yourself, show me who you are' is what I live by.
I send you peace as Christ urged us to do. People get caught up in their hassles at times and overlook basic kindness. May you bask in quiet joy, Yvonne. Blessings. 🙏🏻
Another beautifully written gift and reminder. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all who are fortunate to read Manny's weekly gifts.
So hopeful, thank you Manuel.
"We are on that anticipatory time correctly named Advent, and even nature feels it and expresses it as the maple tree does in the photo. The bark is shedding with the leaves, yet the tree is as beautiful in the fall as in the spring and summer. In winter I will recall its prior beauty, for the tree recedes to dormancy now, pondering its next moves, gathering resources for a springtime explosion of further change and growth.
The above paragraph provides a metaphor for our national situation. Patience is needed, including recollection of past political crises, and a need to plan for the coming rebirth when the unwanted, the unneeded is shed like outgrown bark and leaves.
In this season of Advent I should take time as the tree does, to patiently and deliberately plan for a personal and even national rebirth."
Thanks for your support, Lorraine.
Bless you and Merry Christmas Manuel🎄♥️💚
Blessings to you and yours. May you have wonderful holidays ahead, Lorraine.
Happy holidays. Enjoy the time with family. After the long winter, the spring and rebirth upon us. My condolences and best wishes to your friend 🙏
Happy holidays to you, B. I spoke to my widowed friend a while ago and we will be getting together in a few days. Thanks for the condolences.
Enjoy the visit ;)
Waiting, walking, rest,
“reaching out to the lonely.”
Winter holy days.
Marisol, as usual, your haiku replies embellish my posts. 🙏🏻
Lovely thought. As trees begin to wake up in January, and blooms are not far by February.
Your comment is very hopeful, Patricia. Blessings.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you, Manuel! May the New Year bring us all some rest and rejuvenation for the long fight ahead! <3
Nice to see your reply, Lauri. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Patience and rebirth, yes. May your holidays be joyous and filled with caring friends and family, as we look toward rebirth.
Thank you, Dawn, for your reply. Rebirth is a hope-filled thought. Happy holidays to you.
I meant 'Men of God'
Ironically, if I meditate on what you consider a typo, Gog fits in. 😎
"reaching out to the lonely' . I am alone this Christmas and I make several attempts and tests even among religious groups to see how charitable they were by telling them that I was spending alone and I didn't receive one single invitation to share a cup of coffee or to share a meal. Conclusion: People are just as greedy and self-centered during the Holy-Days , if not more. I grew up in a dysfunctional family but there was a meal and a room at the inn for everyone.. People who didn't have much to share. but found a way for everybody to be included. In this world, a lot of talk about good will towards men but no concrete action, even by a religious group who likes to brag about a fantastic Christmas while knowing I am all alone. So insensitive. They call themselves me of Gog but in my opinion they're not. 'Don't tell me about yourself, show me who you are' is what I live by.
I send you peace as Christ urged us to do. People get caught up in their hassles at times and overlook basic kindness. May you bask in quiet joy, Yvonne. Blessings. 🙏🏻
Thank you, Manuel!. Wishing you peace and goodwill towards all.
Another beautifully written gift and reminder. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all who are fortunate to read Manny's weekly gifts.
Scott, your kind comment is a generous gift. Happy holidays to you and yours.