There’s Hope on this Road
“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney
A few days ago, I had a conversation with a longtime friend. Actually, he was calling me to see how I was coming along after my knee replacement surgery.
He said, “Jimmie, this is probably a good thing for you. Now, whether you like it or not, you will have to slow down, even if just for a month or two.”
He didn’t have to remind me of how much I have slowed down from a mobility standpoint. Thank goodness, though, my vocation is in the tech world, which allows me to be just as proficient as before.
After a laugh, I asked how he was coming along …
“You know how it is, Brother! It was tough to give up the bottle, but I’m more than 2 years on the dry side. I feel pretty good for the most part, but the temptations are strong during the Christmas Season with all the parties.”
He went on to say …
“My addiction darn near cost me everything, but there’s hope on this road, my friend. Amanda and I are back together, and she likes this new me much better than who I was in the past. The kids are a bit older, and it’s great that they believe in second chances, too! This will be our first Christmas together as a family in a few years.”
New Direction
As I reflect on the past, I have very beautiful memories with family and friends. On the flip side of that coin, however, there are countless challenges, and some of them are excruciatingly tough.
But, like my friend said, it’s best to take the perspective of hope.
It helps me to know that there is hope on the road where I am now traveling. Sure, it’s not easy all the time, and there are still many uncertainties that lie ahead.
Yet, I find that I need to focus on the blessings I have and worry less about the stuff I cannot control.
Christmas Season
My meeting schedule has started to wind down, and I am now focused on spending time with the family …
We are going to a restaurant for dinner before Christmas Eve Mass.
I will spend quiet time early on Christmas day visiting our son Eric at his graveside, which is always a special time for me.
We ordered a turkey dinner with all the sides for Christmas day.
We plan to watch several movies together as a family.
We are heading on a family trip together to celebrate the arrival of 2025!
A friend also asked if I would smoke a couple of briskets for her family, as they are expecting a large gathering on Christmas Day. I will fire up my smoker early on the 24th and smoke the briskets for about 9 hours so they are ready to go!
I enjoy this time of the year because I can slow down and appreciate the beautiful part of life. I know these days will not last forever, but I can do everything possible to take advantage of them.
Okay, my friends, I would like to wish you and your family a great Christmas Season!
See you next week!
Inspiring Quotes
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” – Hamilton Wright Mabie
“Christmas gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us.” –David Cameron
Homework Inquiry
During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: What brings your family together?
I use this opportunity to share with you a unique story and a couple inspiring quotes. Oh ... as a professor at heart, you guessed it, I have a homework inquiry for you. This is a powerful question that might just trigger you to take action on something that really matters in your life. If you feel the Catalyst Newsletter brings benefit to you.