Never Give Up!

Let's face it.  We're all busy and work too hard, probably doing the job of three people. We all feel financial stress from our current economy, and, I would venture, are not really appreciated for all we do.  Adding to that, we've arrived at the holidays, replete with gift lists, shopping, and more.  If you're like me, I have to be very careful not to view my life as a big, overwhelming, and insurmountable mountain that will never be successfully scaled.  Conversely, my bank account is overwhelming in its diminuitive size.

But the real spirit of the Holidays is not all that, as we all know.  It is about taking a moment to love and appreciate our family and friends, and all the good things that God has given us, and reaching out to share that with others not so blessed.

If you're feeling frazzled, harried, and overwhelmed, may I suggest to you that you find some time to do something lovely and caring for someone around town?  Whether friend, neighbor, co-worker, family or stranger, doing an act of love and kindness will surely give you back some of that hope and faith that this world seems to drain out of us.  And put the real spirit of the holidays back into your heart.

Hang in there and keep doing the right thing.  Keep caring about others, volunteer, and invest a little of yourself into our community.  You will reap more than you could imagine.  Love never goes out of season, so plant some and watch it grow. 

Happy holidays, my West Orange community.  You are some of the most compassionate and caring people I've ever had the good pleasure to know.