Celebrating Christmas in 2016 is different. While I will
treasure the moment of being with my family, I cannot escape the sense of
caution as we approach January 2017, the inauguration of Donald Trump. What the
election has done to me is solidify my awareness of the meaning of living in
the moment. I do not have to be concerned about what I have no control over.
In the moment, I will be conscious of the love and good will
in our family. I will remain in awe that I was gifted with such a great family.
The uncertainties about the future of our nation and its expected
idiosyncratic approach to national and international affairs will hang in the
background, but it will not be a major concern. I know that I can do little to
change the projectory of potential chaos.
We will be reading about the events that transpire. Clearly,
I hope for the best, but I am aware of the potential for catastrophic
decisions. Our nation has been the enabling nation for so much good, even
though we have been far from perfect.
My focus for Christmas and the future remains living in the
moment. I know that the problems facing our world are immense, but in the big
picture, they only threaten the people. Mother Earth will continue to exist for
a very long time, even if not forever. We have been given the gift of life on a
planet that so far appears unique. We know of no other planet where life
exists, far less human life. The privilege of experiencing the joys of
Christmas is repeated daily when we wake to a new day. The experiences, however
mundane, are priceless. Christmas celebrations are special because they seemingly include many people beyond those who identify with the beliefs embodied by the day.
I surely look forward to every moment with my adult family
and the children they have given us. I think of all the people who have been a
support to me and hope that everyone will be able to feel the love of the day.
