The Tenth Gift of Christmas

I heard yesterday that someone I have known for a number of years and looked on with great affection died very soon after retirement at the age of only 67. He was a very kind man and I was really shocked to hear of his passing. It just brings home to me every time I hear something like that not to postpone your life. Not to wait until everything is exactly right to do something. Don't wait until the kids are older to go backpacking - do it now! Don't wait till your house is immaculate before having friends over - do it tonight and have a potluck supper. If they're really friends, they won't care that they're not getting a five course meal.  If you want to study, travel, do up the house then begin the steps now to put it in place. Don't wait till later, till you retire and then sadly find there is no time left. Enjoy Christmas for what it is this year and look at the richness in your life. Don't focus on the fact that a mug leaves a stain on the coffee table, but the fact that your kids are all home. Don't focus on the curtains not being pulled just so and look at the healthy happy family you have created. Enjoy the present more than the presents!