All is calm. All is bright. It is all natural and as we hope for at this time of year.
My dear brothers and sisters. There is no question that the moments we are living in are full of confusion and pain, and suffering. To most of us it is incomprehensible and often feels like there is nowhere to turn.
We can be in nature. Surround yourself in it for mental health and clarity and for reflection. In the nostalgia of the season we can all turn to water, forests or mountains in which to walk peacefully and reflect.
It’s natural to review the year as we prepare to look ahead. We also remember those we have lost this year. The ones who didn’t make it to year’s end and then, we continue.
The times can be both wonderful and cathartic. A design of life with unexpected blessings.
As I considered what I will share with you, I was out enjoying a fresh, early afternoon walk around the mountain near to all of us. It was both calm and gloomy and yet beautiful. The sunlight pierced the clouds magically.
What we humans have yet to fully understand, is how nature has always been there. Ready to offer a second chance at life to humanity. Maybe we can only hope to see this when we close our eyes. Then we might feel and see that human life can only exist in balance with nature and that our lives, our selves are nature itself.
It’s a time to give gratitude for everything. To learn, to listen and to be patient. These words were shared with me back in my beautiful valley village in Togo. The memory transports me to an early dawn, walking through the forest to our farm. Everything in the natural world around me is quiet. A definite sense of tranquility allowed me to observe the falling of a drop of water onto the grass and leaves. The forest smiles with a fresh breeze. It allows the wind to blow, hears the full thud of ripe fruit of the season falling. Mango. Avocado. Papaya. Birds whistle. Squirrels swing around the trees. Even tiny escargot can be glimpsed, hugging silently. Walkers in the forest, careful not to stand on the sprouting mushrooms and crush them.
Oh what a splendid life of gratitude we feel as our profound smiles breathe in deeply of all of nature’s offerings.
Friends, no matter our current situation, it might contain blessings. We are all among those called. I hope you remain wise, call on your wisdom; be influential; and surely well-rounded.
Don’t be afraid of what you might dare to achieve this coming year. Pay little attention to those who might want to wear you down. Believe in the supreme Lord of creation and you will see your success be it justice, or redemption that you seek. Have patience. Trust the process.
Enjoy receiving and giving messages of hope in this Season of Celebrations. Begin by showing appreciation of little things found in family, friends, associates, communities, and citizens.
With deep sincerity, I wish you all the Blessings of the Season and that we will all enter the New Year holding onto the hope of goodness with confidence.
Joyeux Noel et Bonne Année 2024.
