Holidays – Page 6 – I and Thou Reflections

A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 1

*Artist Credit: Gratitude by*
*Victoria Campbell*

The other day, I was in a Marshalls’ store and Christmas music was piping through the speakers. I caught myself humming to the music, and then I stopped. Dead in my tracks. And out loud, I quietly muttered, “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!”

As I strolled the aisles, I noticed the festive and glittery Christmas section. There were huge bins filled with holiday merchandise on wheels waiting to find a home on the store floor. I pondered how we could convert this sense of abundance into a Thanksgiving mindset?

It is simple:
Thanks and Giving.

Let’s begin with gratitude.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Melody Beattie

Let’s be thankful for who we are.

Where we are.

How we are.

And why we are.

Redirect.

Instead of conforming to the materialism of the holiday, we can redirect our focus to enriching our own lives and the lives of others. Which can be done by doing instead of buying.

By focusing less on the shopping gods who want us to spend our money on frivolous gifts, we can spend more time being grateful for what we have right now.

Who are the people in your life who genuinely want you in theirs? Who extends a warm welcome? Who reaches out for help or to simply say, “Hi?” Thanksgiving is the perfect time to center our thoughts on gratitude for the people and experiences that shape our lives.

When we embrace a mindset of thankfulness, we will naturally want to give back to others. We want to help those in need. Those less fortunate.

What can we do to help others?

We can purchase one small item when we go shopping and place it in a box to give away during the holidays.

Or, we can visit an elderly person in a nursing home who may want some company.

A video call to catch up with someone who impacted our lives and whom we have lost touch with might also be an excellent expression of gratitude.

By fostering a Thanksgiving mindset of both thankfulness and giving, we can truly celebrate the season in a way that extends beyond material abundance to a godly abundance of doing good for others.

But what if you don’t feel thankful?

I think most of us would agree that stress and anxiety are part of the holidays, no matter what stage of life you are in. Even as a youngster, I remember feeling anxious about what Santa would leave under the tree. Would it really be what I wanted? Or, something else?

So, I get it. It sure is difficult to focus on gratitude when life sometimes, just simply sucks.

I get that – all too well.

If the holidays are overwhelming, please reach out to a trusted friend, or a professional to help you navigate this time of year.

I and Thou: A Tribute to Mothers

A Vessel of Love

You are a mother, a giver of life,
and a vessel of love.

You are a mother, a source of strength,
and a spiritual rock.

You are a mother, a teacher,
and a light on a path.

You are a mother, a woman who inspires, uplifts,
and treasures relationships.

You are a mother, firmly rooted,
imparting wisdom to those who seek it.

You are a mother, an anchor, steadfast,
and unshakable.

You are a mother, who loves unconditionally,
no matter the circumstances.

You are a mother, a compassionate, kind,
and daughter of the Almighty.

You are a mother, a hopeful, inspirational,
and uplifting person.

You are a mother, a mother to many,
and a legacy to follow.

You are a mother, a precious creation,
to be celebrated today and every day.

*Image Credit: Mother & Son*
*Painting Valley dot com*

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Today is National Reconciliation Day!

Hello? Is anyone home?
Go Ahead…Call or Text & Say Hello

What is National Reconciliation Day, and why must we spread the word?

First, National Reconciliation Day brings awareness to the brokenness of relationships around us. What would it look like if estranged young adult children knew there was a day to think about reconnecting with a parent they haven’t spoken to for years?

Second, by spreading the word, people will start thinking about their relationships or perhaps about someone they know who may need to reconcile.

Here is information from another post:

National Reconciliation Day, which is on April 2nd each year, urges us to repair relationships that have been damaged through hurtful words or actions. While many different “Days of Reconciliation” are held worldwide, this observance occurs each year on April 2nd.

PLEASE SHARE, AND SHARE, & SHARE.

National Reconciliation Day

is
April 2!

Adult children are estranging from members of their families (siblings and/or parents and not to mention extended family members) at an alarming rate. I am not talking about abusive, toxic, or those with addictions. I am speaking about parents who were “good enough” mothers and/or fathers. The ones who drove their kids to school made lunches daily and registered them for after-school activities.

No matter how short the estrangement has been, both parties have grown and changed. There may be space for radical acceptance. Help us spread the word that it is OKAY to reach out and attempt to reconnect with a loved one.

Let’s get proactive!

Spread the news, so estranged children see this message.

APRIL 2 IS NATIONAL RECONCILIATION DAY

What is National Reconciliation Day, and why must we spread the word?

First, National Reconciliation Day brings awareness to the brokenness of relationships around us. What would it look like if our ECs knew there was a day to think about reconnecting with us? Please share this information broadly.

Second, by spreading the word, people will start thinking about their relationships or perhaps about someone they know who may need to reconcile.

Here is information from another post:

HOW TO OBSERVE National Reconciliation Day

Take that step and make amends.
It’s not too late. Reach out to that friend or loved one and make a fresh start.
Accept the olive branch when it is offered.
Share your experiences of reconciliation.

RECONCILIATION FAQ

Q. How does one reconcile with another?

A. It may seem like a challenging task. Fear and bitterness often prevent us from taking the necessary steps. One of the best ways is simply by offering an invitation for coffee. Choose a neutral place to talk. Sometimes it takes an apology but don’t expect one. It’s more important to repair the relationship than to dredge up history. Another simple way is to reach out by text, phone, or email.

Q. What gets in the way of reconciliation?

A. There are many reasons why reconciliation fails. Some of them include the following:

Pride
Lack of forgiveness
Lack of perspective
Resentment
Living in the past

Please share with everyone you can. Let’s get this on social media, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter. Ask Libraries, schools-colleges, and Churches to put up posters………. If you google National Reconciliation Day, you will find lots of information.

All it might take is a cup of coffee!!!

Or a text???

PLEASE SHARE, AND SHARE, & SHARE.

I and Thou: Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Can you hear them? The bells are ringing. The town crier is making the announcement.

Can you see them? The stars are brightly shining. The shepherds see them in the sky.

Can you smell it? The hay in the manager. The sheep are lying quietly, heads bowed low.

Can you taste it? The cool, damp air of the night. The child swaddled for warmth.

Rejoice!

Sing praises to the newborn King!

The sacredness of Christmas reaches near and far. The stars twinkle in the sky. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Hear ye!

Christ is born!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Image Credit: Nativity backdrop at Mybackdrop dot co dot uk

I and Thou: Hanukkah Night 8

Speaking as a non-Jewish bystander who profoundly appreciates the Jewish faith, tradition, and the stories surrounding it, I share the meaning of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights. It is an eight-day holiday to signify the burning of one jar of oil that lasted eight nights: hence the eight candles on the menorah.

According to the legend, when the Maccabees entered the Temple and began to reclaim it from the Greeks, they immediately relit the ner tamid, which burned constantly in the Temple and has a parallel in our synagogues to this day. In the Temple, they found a single jar of oil, which was sufficient for only one day. The messenger who was sent to secure additional oil took eight days to complete his mission, and miraculously, the single jar of oil continued to burn until his return. The rabbis of the Talmud attributed the eight days of Hanukkah to the miracle of this single jar of oil.
https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/hanukkah/history-hanukkah-story

So, when exactly did this event occur? There is an approximate date of Hanukkah beginning around 2o0 BC. It is not mentioned in The Bible, yet it signifies a Godly moment – a miracle, if you will.

The word “Hanukkah” means “dedication” in Hebrew.

Hanukkah is also commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, known as the Maccabean Revolt. This historic event took place in the second century BC. According to the Hebrew calendar, this Jewish holiday begins on the 25th of Kislev and typically occurs in November or December.

Image Credit: My Jewish learning dot com

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I and Thou: Comfort & Joy

Busyness.
Anxiousness.
Loneliness.
Grief.
Sorrow.
Sadness.

Artist Credit: Comfort & Joy by P.s. Art Studios

At this time of year, our burdens may feel heavier. This is a guided meditation. Read slowly and listen to what is in your heart.

Comfort & Joy

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Take a break. Step away. and find a quiet place.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Sit for a while. Ask for God’s presence.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Be still. Close your eyes. Breathe. Relax.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
In the depths of your soul, reach as far down as you can.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Sit for a while. Be open to God’s presence.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Ask God to sit and join next to you.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Shh. Quiet. Hear God speak.

God says, Hello, precious child.
“I knit you together in your mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:9)
I am so happy to see you. I’ve been waiting for you to ask me to sit with you. Go ahead and tell me what is on your mind.

It’s okay. Speak your mind.
Stay awhile in this sacred place.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
In this sacred space, may you find comfort and joy.

Whatever your religious beliefs are or are not, may this season of holidays, encourage you and bring you tidings of comfort and joy.

*****

Inspired by the Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen…
“Fear not,” then said the Angel, “let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour, Of pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him, From Satan’s power and might.”
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

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Thanks so much for your support and encouragement!

I and Thou: Hanukkah Night 7

Speaking as a non-Jewish bystander who profoundly appreciates the Jewish faith, tradition, and the stories surrounding it. I share the sacredness of the word, G-d.

Do you ever wonder why Jewish people don’t spell out G O D?

G O D is so HOLY that out of deep respect, Jewish people don’t spell G O D out fully because words can’t capture the “bigness” of G-d. It makes me think how G-d is a great big G-d. Too big to even name on paper. So, the next time you write, or type, G O D… you may want to pause and think about the sacredness of the word G-d. Respect for the Creator of the universe makes perfect sense to me. How about you?

I and Thou: Hanukkah Night 6

Speaking as a non-Jewish bystander who profoundly appreciates the Jewish faith, tradition, and the stories surrounding it. I share this poem with you in pieces for each night of Hanukkah.

The Lights of Hanukkah

Hanukkah lights burning bright,
A marvelous miracle from Heaven above.

Eight days and eight nights,
One jar of shimmering incandescent oil.

One day is all the life the oil jar had,
Yet it kept burning in a mystery.

Jewish people celebrate this temple miracle,
By honoring G-d with a thankful heart.

Come one, come all,
join the people of G-d and shout with joy,
Thank you, G-d, for each one of us.

Jew or Gentile love abounds,
Go light your menorah and let it shine.

Image Credit: You Tube watch?v=V9IJKeu_Mkw

I and Thou: Hanukkah Night 5

Speaking as a non-Jewish bystander who profoundly appreciates the Jewish faith, tradition, and the stories surrounding it. I share this poem with you in pieces for each night of Hanukkah.

The Lights of Hanukkah

Hanukkah lights burning bright,
A marvelous miracle from Heaven above.

Eight days and eight nights,
One jar of shimmering incandescent oil.

One day is all the life the oil jar had,
Yet it kept burning in a mystery.

Jewish people celebrate this temple miracle,
By honoring G-d with a thankful heart.

Come one, come all,
join the people of G-d and shout with joy,
Thank you, G-d, for each one of us.

Image Credit: Walker-Ministries dot org