Christmas is coming! The goose is getting fat and so are we as we gather round the Christmas tree.

I am blessed to have you all as my readers. I am blessed in so many ways. I know you are too.

And there are so few days and there is all the stress of what must be done. I have presents to buy and expectations to fulfill. It is easy to feel obligated and guilty. I have been so blessed, and I am probably not living up to my blessings.

Also, many people do not have the blessings I have. I ponder that and it can feel pretty bad. What do I do with this undeserved blessing? I have no right to expect the good things in my life. I mean, I think in particular of the blessing of my extraordinarily wonderful child. Some people have lost their child. There but for the grace of God go I.

I could be fearful, and guilty. I find myself feeling that way a lot.

But that’s no way to live. To know I am blessed should make me happy. I should rejoice, and give good love to those around me. If I feel fearful and guilty  about my blessings, when I encounter other people who don’t have my particular blessing and are in fact suffering, I am more likely to scuffle away as if their tragedy were contagious.

But if I can be happy, and trust in my present blessing I could be generous to those less fortunate. And isn’t that how I want to live? Isn’t that the world I want to live in?

After beginning with fear and guilt over my blessings, I realize I can just be happy.  And at peace.

That’s what I’ve been thinking this week. I wanted to share.

I join the angels chorus:

Glory to God in highest and on earth peace and goodwill towards men

Peace be with you and all my goodwill

Merry Christmas!