Musing in Manhattan

      Sunday’s church service was of course a pre-celebration of Christmas with the little ones singing their Christmas songs and doing the sign language along with the verses.  They were just too cute for words.  New this year was the teen element of the performance where the teens put on two Christmas skits–One depicting how teens can get involved in helping the elderly celebrate Christmas and how COOL you really are when you get involved with the true act of giving of your time rather than money.  The second skit was the real tear-jerker.  The teens re-enacted the song:  The Christmas Shoes while the song played behind them.   Picture the bustling department store full of people gathered to make their last minute purchases, all with their lists in hand and holding lots of presents.  Soon after, in walks the poor disheveled boy looking for the perfect and final gift he and his dad would give his dying mother on Christmas Eve.  He looks around for something special and finds what he considers to be the most beautiful shoes he has ever seen.  He proudly waits on line for his turn to pay the cashier, confident that mommy will absolutely love them and that she will be the most beautiful angel when she meets Jesus.   Finally it is his turn and he puts the shoes upon the counter.  He has been saving his pennies for a long time, but still there isn’t enough money.   Crying yet?  The boy tells his story to the cashier and moved by the story a kind soul on line offers the extra money so that he can buy his mom the Christmas shoes.  Excitedly, the little boy walks out of the store with his gift and the knowledge that he will be giving his mom something extra special and you are left feeling guilty but completely humble and so thankful that you have so very much.  This holiday season, forget about the job, the bills, the economy, and all that we can’t fix in an instant.  Put the stress aside and play with the kids and their new toys, hold them close and read them their favorite story, hug a little longer, kiss even when you aren’t under the mistletoe, and say “I love you” and really mean it from the bottom of your heart.  Let everyone know that you are grateful that they are a part of your life.   To my wonderful family and friends–you complete me and make life worth living.   I have been so blessed to have been given such amazing souls to walk this world with. God Bless Everyone today and always!   I love you.