Good Morning

s many of us make our last-minute Christmas preparations, tying ribbons and bows, I thought that this Oscar Wilde quote was a nice reminder about "real riches."

While we give gifts and save gift receipts, let us remember that the best gift we can give doesn't fit in a box ...and it certainly doesn't need a gift receipt. It isn't the opening of the presents, or the surprises inside that bring true and lasting joy. It's the moments around the edges, the laughter, the winks, and the touch of one person to another.

Both sadly and ironically, it is often easier to see what really matters,  when it isn't there to see. Ask a family that has lost someone this past year, and they know for certain what is missing, and they know for certain what matters, and they know for certain that it isn't under the tree, or tucked carefully in a package wrapped with gold ribbon.

We have to learn to see love, and touch love, and make it just as visible as any other icon of the season. Perhaps if it were tangible, if we could see how fragile moments really are, we would be more careful not to drop them.

In 2005 the holiday season began a little "bittersweetly" for me, as I lost my father who was 60. Ten years ago,  I lost my only brother when he was 27. I found as the holidays approached that one loss greatly compounded the other. Yet, I always feel that when we lose something, we also stand to gain something. Life is balance. In my search to gain, I did something new this year. Instead of opening doors on an advent calendar each day and anticipating a piece of chocolate inside, I opened my eyes to a magical moment each day. It was much more rewarding, and each day brought more than one moment. Of course, I had to open my eyes and choose to see them. Otherwise, I would have only seen another pound on the scale from eating some chocolates.

Your Turn:
What can you do today, and every day, to make love visible in your life? Imagine your love is carefully contained within a fragile, heirloom glass ornament; imagine love from others in the same way. Handle love carefully, give it freely and treat it for what it is--the greatest gift we will ever have the power to give or receive.

Today's Affirmation: Today, I make my love for others visible, realizing it is the only gift that truly matters.

.Just released: Good Morning: 365 Positive Ways to Start Your Day by Brook Noel - You'll find 365 Good Morning entries to inspire you throughout the year. Order your autographed copy by clicking here.   

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