Light, Human Contact, and Voices
Light, Human Contact and Voices
In my mind today I'm thinking about light, human contact, and voices. Eternity has an all encompassing light. When we move from this life our souls are blinded with a great light that removes the "weight" of our earthly existence. That "weight" is worry, doubts, and confusion of completing our earthly race. Are we doing enough? Can we pay the bills? Will our children become grateful stewards? Is there even a God who saves? Why is there so much darkness in the world? I could continue but you get the jest. The human condition is cumbersome indeed. As I read this morning, I'm reminded of whom the ultimate fixer is. Guess what folks? It's not me, you, or any human. So relax, bask in the light, and embrace your inner light which made me think of human touch.
Today, we are ALL guilty of embracing the technology craze. We pay bills and shop online. Get a high school and college degree online. We give greetings, congrats, and condolences through social media. Face it. We don't have to have human contact unless we make the effort. Human touch and face to face communication are becoming a rarity. I hear some of you grumbling, "It's a hassle especially at holidays to deal with lines, grumps, thieves, and people in general. Ms. Alley haven't you seen the news lately? People are nuts!" Yes, they are, but isolationism doesn't spread the "light." We desperately need to have human touch. I hear grumbling again! Why? That person in the Walmart line that is struggling working two jobs and trying to provide for their family can't get help unless you and your light show up. The soup kitchens can't provide warm meals, ears to listen, and hugs without human interaction. Children with splintered families and lives can't look forward to being read with one to one in school programs unless we, humans, volunteer to fill in the gaps. As you hustle and bustle through this holiday season, slow down, examine the humans around you, and offer some type of human interaction. I promise you won't regret it.
Voices. We all have been given one. Some lose theirs because of diseases like cancer and ALS. I thank God daily for my ability to still talk easily with all the humans in my life. Some of my friends aren't so fortunate. If you know me, you know I love music and I love to sing. Now, I didn't say I was a gifted singer but I do sing literally 90% of the time. Ask my kiddos, former co-workers, and students. I sing in the car, in stores, in church, while I teach, and basically everywhere! I love songs, words, and nonsensical rhyming. I drive my family up the wall especially during the holidays. I really embarrass them a lot. This past Thanksgiving Abbey played Crosby, Stills, & Nash's song "Our House" on piano while I belted it out for the entire family. Of course, she has to keep me on tempo and key. She and my children indulge me, but Paparatz(aka Papa Smurf aka Ken) has to always reel me back in when I get into my groove. It's really funny! This Thanksgiving as Abbey played and I destroyed a few carols and songs, tears stood in my eyes. The "light" was abundant in the room with family and friends gathered. They, like Ken and I when we first heard Abbey sing, were astounded by her gift of voice. Many eyes had tears standing in them. After my rendition of "Our House" Paparatz called us to the living room to pray before our meal, but I know he was trying to save me from my lack of musical ability. As I watched my own little shoot sing and play, I knew this was a God Wink. God has put in my children abilities I cherish but lack. Ken and I appreciate and love music but by no means are musicians. Our little nightingale has been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in NYC in February. When she applied I kept thinking, "How am I going to console her when the results are given October 31st?" Now, she's doing one of my bucket list trips to the Big Apple. I'm so very humbled and grateful God has given her this opportunity. Even better is that I'm here to rejoice with her. Voices. How magical they can be.
This holiday season as you venture out, seek to be a light, spread your inner light, and use your voice to make a joyful noise wherever you go! You may hear me before you see me in my wheelchair. If you do, join in and "Start spreading the News" of joy.
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