We are approaching the last month of the year….a time when many gifts will be passed back and forth. Endless hours are spent searching for the perfect gift for that someone who in many cases seems to have everything. We seem to lose track whether it’s the thought that counts, or the value of the gift to the person. At certain times of the year, we all struggle to find ways to say “I love you”. Some need to express it in the form of material things, others find a phone call, a hand-written letter, or a hug their way to say how they feel. There are many ways of expressing Love. It doesn’t always have to be a gift.

It doesn’t even have to be somebody you know. It can include donating money to a worthwhile charity, or volunteering your time at a homeless shelter, or something of that nature. What’s important is that at the end of the day, there has been an exchange of Love in one form or another. As we enter the Holiday Season it’s important that we don’t lose track of what all the giving is all about. One way or another it’s supposed to be some form of Love. It doesn’t really matter the size, or value of the gift, but that it was given with an open heart. In my faith, the true value of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and what He stood for. To me, He wasthe Prince of Peace, and Defender of Love.

There is no guarantee that any of us will be here this time next year…..maybe we should think about this when we approach the Holidays. What’s really important…what you give Johnny for Christmas or what you conveyed to him throughout the year? It can’t all be shown in one gift on one day….maybe that’s why many of us find this time of year so frustrating. We’re all caught up in the game of “catch-up”.

Take the Time To Love,

Jennifer Avalon
© 1997 Jennifer Avalon