MUSINGS and other writing by Mark Kolke

. . . . . . there is no edge to openness

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TOLERATION AND UNDERSTANDING

Saturday, December 25, 2021

 

This time of year, in our culture, there is much celebration of the season – and it seems starker in my mind each year, this separation of beliefs. I have no quarrel with people advocating for their beliefs, but why someone would want to impose their beliefs on others seems antithetical to living in a free and open society.

For instance, some believe in their Christianity and live it. And some don’t. Some celebrate Christmas, the season, the foods, the parties, the décor – but keep to themselves that they are non-believers or doubters.

Subscribers of other faiths demonstrate the same dynamic, just on a different calendar.

Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and all the rest – similarly buy-in, just not all the way. Not everyone can be right, that’s not logical, but nobody wants to be wrong either.

Whether you celebrate out of deep belief, a long-standing tradition, or out of respect for others’ beliefs, Merry Christmas to everyone out there – I wish you good health, good cheer with friends and loved ones.

We had an ‘early Christmas hang out and turkey-feast day’ yesterday with grandkids and will see them again today before driving back to the town of cow …

Ho+Ho+Ho!

Reader feedback:

AS WE SIT BY THE FIRE

Merry Christmas Mark to you, Hazel, and your family. I am so happy you are spending time with your daughter, her husband and your grandchildren. I just came back from Edmonton having done the same. Being around family is the Christmas pudding of the festive meal and hearing the high pitched squeals of delight from small children and feeling the warmth of their hugs, well, that’s the hard sauce and whipping cream that tops it all. Best to you all. Stay safe, drive carefully. I look forward to receiving those  musings of yours each morning - like having a stocking-by-the-fire from from which I get to reach in and pull a surprise gift daily, RT, White Rock, BC

Sounds like a perfect Christmas for you and your family...I wish you every happiness as you deserve xoxo, AG, Cancun, Mex

Merry Christmas to you and your family Mark. Enjoy your holidays and safe travels. Thank you for your daily musings, AB, Calgary, AB

Many blessings to you & your family this Christmas Mark. Having grandchildren in your life is a true gift!  Enjoy!, BE, Calgary, AB

100%. Being “Opa” is the greatest gig of my life, RH, Calgary, AB

 

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