We live in a time and place where grievance fills the air. We're constantly reminded of how we've been short changed and what we don't have. But, every year at this time, we're reminded of our possibilities -- of what we might achieve if we practised a simple principle -- good will to all.
We need more good will and less grievance. May all of you find more good will during this season.
Merry Christmas!
Image: The Toronto Star
8 comments:
And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!
Merry Christmas, Owen.
Cap
There is a reason why that tale rings down through the ages, Cap. Merry Christmas.
You must show me, Owen, how practicing acts of goodwill would consistently be favourable to my immediate self interest. The degree of my enlightenment is very limited.
Merry something anyway and many thanks for your continuing efforts to inform and cause us to reflect. Your concise responses to comments often make my day.
That's precisely the problem with good will, John. It opens up possibilities which, nonetheless, work against self interest. Self interest is not always consistent with the common good. Merry Christmas.
I will admit to being at a rather low ebb myself at this time Owen and have all but discontinued my former weekly commentary and therefore respect those like yourself who continue to keep us informed with your regular informative posts. Keep up the good work Owen, may you and your family have a safe and peaceful 2020.
As Tom Payne wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls," Rural. Christmas is reportedly good for the soul. It's not easy to keep up a regular commentary. I still keep an eye out for yours. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Owen. One of my children remains stuck in Amsterdam this Christmas but my Vancouver daughter and her husband are coming for Christmas dinner. I want to talk with them at dinner about the importance of the two of them developing Christmas traditions. Some, such as the tree are nearly universal. My family, going back (I was told) to England at least as far as the late 18th century, has had a dinner of oyster stew on Christmas Eve. Still I think every couple, every nuclear family, should find something, large or small, that gives them the spirit of the season to become their own tradition. For it's not Black Friday bargains or presents under the tree that create significance. It's the other things, the customs, that anchor families to Christmas.
I have my oysters, fresh from Fanny Bay about a 25 minute drive up island, to kick off my Christmas. My brother in Simcoe also will have oyster stew for dinner tonight, as always, and his oysters also come from Fanny Bay (only mine are harvested yesterday).
I hope to enjoy this respite and, for a few days, not dwell on the outside world. See you round the corner.
MoS
It's not easy to get all the members of a family home for Christmas, Mound. Our youngest son -- who's in the navy -- just came in yesterday from your neck of the woods. Our other two sons are in Korea and China. But, these days, three out of five ain't bad. Getting together has always been the best part of Christmas for us.
Enjoy the company -- oysters and all.
Post a Comment