Tidings of Comfort and Joy. That line from the old Christmas carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, has a lot to be said for it. This time of year has me reflecting on the meaning of those words.
I want to bring glad tidings of comfort and joy. How can I do that?
I can hug the ones I love. I like hugs. They tend to make me feel better, make me feel all warm and soft inside. Who can't benefit from a hug? I’m going to make a special effort to hug for a beat longer when I greet my friends and relatives this season.
I will try to notice people, really see them. What color are their eyes? The rush rush of the season makes it easy to try to get through a task instead of embracing it, makes it easy to not see a sales clerk, a soldier home on leave, a waitress, a cashier. I can easily wish them season's greetings, the best of the season, and mean it. Perhaps for an instant that will bring them joy.
Where do I find comfort? Certainly in the arms of my loved ones. Sometimes in a piece of rich dark chocolate. But I find it in many other places and it is out there ready and waiting for even the most desperate of us. I have found comfort in the words of a good book, in the touch of a friend, in the roof over my head, and the food on my table. I have found it in my belief that the future can hold goodness and light and that can carry me through the darkness.
I count myself lucky to have known the joy of comforting a small child, and of sharing good times with family and friends.
I am grateful for simple things that give me joy and peace such as for the fact that even after over 35 years my husband is my partner, and he is willing to be leaned on. Joy is that little lighthearted feeling that spreads through my chest, so fleeting but so real I want to grab it and hold it forever. But like dance, it must be experienced, and cannot be captured. It can be found in a job well done, in a smile well-sent, in a dance of the spirit.
May you comfort someone in need, and may you in turn be comforted when you are in need. May your joys be many. May you dance.
Comfort and joy. To you.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
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6 comments:
Thank you, and the very same to you.
And back to you, Barb - with warmth on this holiday season.
joy in comfort giving! see, now how nice is that?
much much to you. :)
This is so beautifully written. Thanks for taking me away from work thoughts and shopping thoughts and all the busy things we have to do. Janet
It really is true that when we give (love, peace, comfort, etc.) it is returned to us.
Sending warm thoughts and comfort your way.
Thank you all, my fellow ladies of the yog!
Janet, glad to be of a little help in finding that calm quiet place inside us all.
Ami, yes, what we give willingly without having any reason often results in an incredible return to us. And darn if I don't feel good doing those little good deeds. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Have a wonderful holiday season, all!
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