The 2010 Shadows That Will Be or May Be

I overheard an older gentleman, with a spring in his step, talking on his cell phone in the mall. I assume the person on the other end of the phone asked how he was doing to which he replied confidently, “I am blessed and highly favored!” I was taken aback at first by his bold statement and then smiled as I saw how happy and grateful he was to be alive.

Scrooge, in the Christmas classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’, looked frightened as the spirit of Christmas future gave the visual of what was to come if he didn’t turn that frown upside down. His cold and bitter heart was warmed once he realized how miserable he and everyone around him would be in the years to come if he didn’t change his attitude drastically.

As I ponder the upcoming Christmas season of hope and the year 2010, I wonder will we deeply appreciate all that is given to us in a given day, no matter how small? It’s about believing that you are meant to be here, every day, regardless of the tribulations. Choosing to help another person in need is a weighty endeavor.

I recently made a new friend. His name is Victor. He’s 57-years-old and homeless. He lives in a place called Tent City. No family, only one friend in Indiana. So, we invited him to share a meal with our family on Thanksgiving Day. At the table, when Victor was asked what one thing he was thankful for, he sat silent for what seemed like hours. We had each rattled off the usual answers, faith, family, friends, a home, church, etc. Victor ruminated, trying not to cry, he said, “I am just so grateful to be alive and to be here. To not be alone today and to have this food to eat.”

We were all moved and felt a haze of reality come over us. Here was a man with nothing. Granted he had made some bad choices to get him where he was in life. But, now he was ready to start anew, begin again. He has a part time job. He’s saving to be able to move out of Tent City. He walks and walks. Victor attends church because someone from the church served him a free hot meal. His toothless smile is priceless. He doesn’t ask for anything but says thank you for everything.

After stuffing ourselves, perusing the sale papers, playing games, working the traditional puzzle and watching the Cowboys and the Macy’s parade, we took Victor and the family to see Jim Carrey’s ‘A Christmas Carol’. Not only was it his first time watching a 3-D movie, it was his first time going to the movie theater. With popcorn and coke in hand he sat relishing the thought of using his 3-D glasses for the dual purpose of sunglasses.

At the end of the day it was not easy taking Victor home to his tent on that chilly Thursday night.

In the weeks and year to come… think about the shadows that will be or may be. Although, the spirit of Christmas to come may not be clearly showing your outcome in a dream or vision, don’t let that prevent you from doing good for those less fortunate.

As Tiny Tim said, “God bless us everyone!”

Word of the Week: Each week I add a word that I have come across in my reading for which I did not know the definition. After looking it up I try to use it in my future columns. Last column’s word was palpable, readily or plainly seen, heard, perceived, etc.; obvious; evident.