Seasoning in This Season

There still are many 'firsts' in life, even at my age (a mere 55).  Having captured hundreds upon hundreds of sunsets, my camera at the ready, perched, poised, snapping away, I have yet to capture rain lit by setting sun, until my recent 30th anniversary trip to Hawaii.  The trip serving many purposes (a visit with relatives, a reflection of Carrie and my life together, a springboard to listen and hear of what is 'next') as we press ahead hopefully for yet another thirty years together?  But none the less, for whatever life we will share.  And today, I post a link to another blog (another first for me) written, with great skill, of the absurdity befallen us as we are asked to practice non-offense to anyone this holiday season.  It is good for a laugh, but sadly some will not laugh, rather say "Amen" so to speak.  Link posted by a Facebook friend, you can check out this guys blog at http://contimplating.com/2012/12/04/tis-the-season-or-not/ .

History proves the 'fruits' of humanity seeking self-indugence, human glorification, our evil nature left unchecked.  I sat in the middle of a grass overcome arena where the stands were filled with those coming to watch and watching and cheering as 'Christians' were disgraced and put to death before their eyes.  And I speak this not to focus on Christians, but any human for any reason, being displayed, tortured, ridiculed and extinguished because of their beliefs, be they Jew, Muslim, Agnostic, Nihilist, Buddhist, or any of the numerous life causes stood for today; pro life, pro choice, pro whatever.

To me, tolerance means, you and I are free, not to be personally offended by beliefs of another, rather that each is free to share their ways of celebration, as others respect who they are and what they believe, while holding to our own, freely.  Should someone tell me Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas or Bah Humbug, they are free to have that belief and we each move on.  I say "Merry Christmas" because this is what this season means to me.  Even "Christmas" means so many different things to so many individuals. 

Our forefathers had it right when they proposed freedom of religion.  While many, if not all were Christians, I do not think they imposed Christianity, just lived what they knew as their chosen leading, and they supported, (tolerated I suppose) the choices of any who expressed their way to live, not trampling their right to express it.  We are free, all of us.  Share with me what this season means to you, and I will gracefully hear and bless you for what you enjoy in this annual celebration that most all of humanity enjoys.  Sure, I will pray for you should you say to me 'bah humbug'.  Unaware to your knowing, I pray that whatever has filled this season with pain would cease, that whatever trouble, whatever pushed you down your road of disgust would be overcome with peace, that is just who I am.

This time of year always brings hope to this soul which, I believe will extend beyond this life, into another.  It is a time tied together by an incredible act of love from an immensely powerful God, tying together history and lives in a way that demonstrate He is in charge, working to reach and have relationship with the beings He created, because He offers us such an eternal living to members seeking a perfect kingdom.  You are free to believe what you do.  I find no offense in your chosen way to live, but let's live our days with passion, not to offend, but rather be honest with who we are and what we believe.  I need not defend my choice, you not your, just each living it, not reduce it to benign and senseless generalities.  My wish is for a "Merry Christmas", what's yours?  My hope and prayer is that you continue discovering many firsts as you press forward in life.  May you seek and find, as I do.  Share them and let each have the grace to see you as seasoning in this season from life as you press ahead.  I am still looking for, and sharing my firsts, with you, from my life.

 Releasing rain in radiant sky.