THIS PEACE
Thursday Dec. 25, 2014
Peace on earth.
Really?
Consider ISIS, EBOLA, poverty, war, disease, death, the economy, unemployment – for so many, the world and life are pretty hard, bad and sad. But mostly peace and prosperity.
For the large majority (I’m assuming my audience for this piece – who are enjoying this peace), are we better off than we were a year ago?
For many, perhaps not. I am.
Sure, I miss my dad.
I had sixty-two years with him – spent nearly all of them seeing him or at least talking to him on Christmas day.
Are we safer than we were a year ago?
About the same I think.
Are we happier than a year ago?
For many, perhaps not, but I am.
I could be happier, I suppose, but not much causes me angst. I’d like to see Krista, or hear from her. That would be fantastic.
I’m going back to Carla and Chad’s shortly – for more of what we had yesterday – happy children, laughter, food and good cheer. Isla is thrilled with toys and attention. The magic of two. Alex is thrilled with a box, or a bag or a piece of cardboard. He is nearly one. This morning is for them – and their parents – as those Christmas morning traditions of early mornings and ‘overnight Santa magic’ take shape in their home, in their family, as their memories grow. I’ll go over in a while – watch and visit. Grandfathers are peeling potatoes today, as everyone pitches in to make a family turkey dinner this afternoon.
To everyone, from my house and my family to yours – Merry Christmas!
And,
“Enjoy this good morning. Be joyful.”
Mark Kolke
column written/ published from Hampton Inn, Fort Saskatchewan, AB
morning walk: -12C/10F, overcast, black sky, black ices-slippery-dangerous everywhere I went, breakfast at Humpty’s (wow … somebody is open today!), near empty hotels here make me think of Hawaii where they are bursting with heat-seeking tourists ..
Reader feedback:
Hi Mark!I enjoyed your Musing today - I must say, both new babies AND aging parents will change your life and perspective.This year, I had the privilege to welcome a new nephew, a cousin's son, and my husband's nephew's daughter (all three in the last 2 months). At the same time, I almost lost my 97 year old grandmother last week (due to a fall, she broke her hip) and we're just watching to see if she'll pull through, and just two days ago, I lost an uncle unexpectedly (early 60's, had a stroke in his sleep). These events just reminded me that life is full of joy and heartache. We must teach our children how to love and respect each other and remind those we love by telling them. Life is too fragile and can be short for some of us. As Christmas is just around the corner (though some countries are celebrating today), let us remind ourselves that the reason for the season is Christ, or baby Jesus. Whether you are a believer or not, you are celebrating Him at this time of the year! Merry Christmas to you and fellow readers of Musing! CR, Victoria, BC
Merry Christmas Mark. Entertaining reading. Your brilliance makes me smile often. Faith is simply, a belief in powers that impact human destiny. When we liberate ourselves from 'having the answer' we awaken to a world of sharing, community and participation - together. Listening, understanding and believing in each other. Mark, I wake up early. Sometime later 'the gift of you' arrives in my In-Box. Yes, I believe in you. I also believe in the spirit of breaking bread, the spirit of burning bushes, the spirit of walking on water and the freedom of this remarkable life that we have been blessed with. No coincidences here. Jon, Calgary, AB
Have yourself a wonderful pleasure filled Christmas with your family and grand babes .. you certainly deserve it. And for 2015 I wish you good health, peace and prosperity, BR, Calgary, AB
Hi Mark. Wishing a very Merry Christmas and the best of health and happiness in 2015, SS, Calgary, AB
