Something to Ponder...

Dear Friend ,   Merry and Bright As I have driven around the county over the last few weeks, I have noticed that the lack of snow has not kept people from decorating their homes or towns from lighting up their parks and street lamps. It is a special time of year no matter what or how you celebrate. It is a time of cheer and kindness for all.

Jumping Ahead  During this busy, crazy, chaotic time it is easy to get caught up in our own needs and desires. My daughter shared a link with me this morning that gently proposed that instead of focusing our new year's resolutions on things we plan to do for ourselves, that we turn our gaze outward and resolve to do more for the sake of those around us. In essence, take time to think of others first. Thank you dear.     Thinking of Others Luke was a physician, a man of intellect. He knew the ins and outs of the human body, how it is capable of handling physical and mental stresses and challenges. He writes of young Mary, a new mother, who some could argue has had the most chaotic and stressful holiday season of all. And as he ends his story of her stresses and challenges, he shares that Mary "...treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." I can't help but be in awe and wonder at the thought of someone caring so much for others that, in the midst of her own personal situation, she takes time to think of the impact on those around her. Amazing! Something for us all to ponder...  Did You Know? Christmas lights (also known informally as fairy lights) are a custom that goes back to the 18th century where candles were used to decorate the Christmas tree in homes in early modern Germany. Trees displayed publicly and illuminated with electric lights became popular in the early 20th century. By the mid-20th century, it became customary to display strings of electric lights along streets and on buildings as the decorations became detached from the tree itself. May your lights shine brightly!

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Dave Southwick