Well, it’s that time of year again.  Christmas is less than two weeks away.  People are starting to feel the panic of buying gifts, for different reasons.

Families are still struggling financially.  With housing and gas at an all-time high, having a roof over your head and food on the table is to some, a luxury.  As I’m out and about in my beautiful city of Warwick, I notice the change.  People are still panicked about covid in addition to financial difficulties.  Then there’s the weather. We’ve been blessed this year with warm weather, but that’s not true, everywhere.

The Midwest suffered terrible devastation with storms and tornadoes ripping up blocks of homes and businesses.  Recently, I turned sixty-five years old.  I find that as I age, I appreciate things more.  This holiday season, I’ve decided to really focus on my blessings.  We take so much for granted!  This morning as I sit down with my steaming cup of coffee, I feel a little chill in the air.  I adjusted my thermostat a few degrees and settled in with the morning paper and a fluffy warm blanket.  For some, this would be a luxury.  I take this blessing for granted.  I’m heading out later today to do some shopping.  I will get in my car, put my heat on and go to several stores.  Another blessing, that I take for granted.  But how do you bless others?  It’s hard to know.

Do you give a few dollars to the man or woman at the corner, asking for money?  I’ve been told that it’s not a good idea, because they may not use it for food but instead to support a drug or alcohol problem.  I’m taking a different approach this year.  I’m buying gift cards from local fast-food restaurants to hand out to those in need.  Hopefully they will enjoy a hot meal.  More than that though, I’m looking at things differently.  I’m looking at life with gratitude.  So, when you are out and about, remember, a kind word or a smile means something. You never know what is going on in peoples lifes….