December 2021 Blog

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      It was the day after Thanksgiving. As Dagger and I walked through our neighborhood, houses were already decked out with holiday lights and decorations. The lights glittered and glowed with a message of hope and joy.  How beautiful they all looked, I thought. 

As we walked, I also noticed the houses that were bare and seemed devoid of any activity or decorations of any kind.  Not even a bygone Thanksgiving pumpkin was present. I wondered if the people and pets that were living in those houses were going through some difficult times.  My mom had a saying she used to use from time to time. She'd say, "Yvonne, you never know what's going on behind closed doors of someone elses' house." I thought long and hard about that. How many of us have suffered loss or sickness over the past two years during the pandemic. How many families are hungry right now because their bills are too high and they can't make ends meet to even feed their families?  Yes, my mom's statement was hitting "home" with me as Dagger and I continued on our walk.

Right now, Jews are celebrating Hanukkah and on December 25th Christians will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. What do they signify?  For the Jewish people, it's the miracle of having enough oil for  God's Holy Temple Lamp when there was only enough for one night and yet it lasted eight nights in the midst of conflict and uncertainty. For the Christians, it's the miracle of the birth of a Savior who was born to a young frightened couple escaping the census which was directing the killing of all first born male babies. Yet, this scared couple was able to find a safe haven in a cave for the birth of God's son. Both miracles happened to save and guide us towards the light of God.  They both teach us of God's goodness. charity and love.  Both are pivotal reminders of how we must open our hearts to all.  To me, the holidays are a time to be aware and mindful of the miracles that still happen even in today's world and the opportunity for all of us to reach out to others in need in anyway that we can. 

​After all, you never know what people and animals are going through behind closed doors.

Turning the corner as we reached our house, I was energized. That short walk through our neighborhood encouraged me to commit myself to do something special this holiday season to help others in need. I'm also going to take the time to give thanks for the miracles of everyday life and pray when ever I can. I told Dagger that we have to do more to help others. He looked at me with those big brown caring eyes and I could tell what he was thinking...his eyes seemed to express the words..."You have my support!!"  That made our walk a real miracle!

Have a Happy, Healthy
​and Peace-filled Holiday Everyone!
And may the lights that glitter and glow
​encourage you to reach out to others too!
xoxo Yvonne