Lot Full

During the Christmas season (or the holiday season as many would like to say), we tend to become inwardly focussed. There is so much to do, so many expectations to fulfill. We are faced with shopping for presents for family, extended family, friends, and co-workers. There are lots of holiday parties and get-togethers, there is travel, decorating, cooking, eating, and entertaining. The list goes on and on and we are stretched thin - we really have it rough. With all of this festive holiday cheer, we never get a break. How we long for some time to be alone and relax, away from all the hubbub and commotion.

Do we realize just how fortunate we really are lost in this existence of holiday fever? We complain, we groan, we force a smile and bear up under the onus of our heavy loads and responsibilities. However, I think that we have lost touch with the world around us, the reality that surrounds us. Driving past the hospital the other day while out on a Christmas errand, I noticed that the parking lot was full. You know what, it always is. It doesn't matter what day of the year it is. Death, pain, sickness, and suffering never take a break. These are tireless foes who never stop their onslaught. Some of the cars in the lot belong to folks who are hovering over their loved ones praying for another day, some belong to those who are alone and scared, some belong to those who won't get the chance to drive them home. I would bet that many of these folks would give their last dime to change places with you, to bear up under your loads. So, realize how good you have it, how much you are blessed. Give thanks for your good fortune and pray for those who have to face the full parking lot.