Call your mother
I went to a Toastmasters meeting last night. I am not sure exactly what I expected but the end of the evening was pleasant and I had a good time. If you don’t know, Toastmasters is an organization focused on building leadership skills and public speaking skills.
There were some speakers that had time to prepare and then there were ‘table topics’. Table topics are an impromptu opportunity to give a brief speech on a subject you have not prepared for. I was given ‘What is something we can all do on Christmas?” My answer was “Call you mother”.
Christmas is about people. Family and friends. Our culture has taken some of us far from home but we need to stay connected. Call your mother, father, family or friends and stay connected. When I was young my whole family (on my mom’s side) would gather at my grandmothers house for dinner. Presents for all by everyone that came, homemade candy in bowls around the house, rolls in the oven and more food than anyone could eat.
Dinner was around 1 table that held all of us. 25 or so would gather and eat, talk and mostly laugh. We met in a room my grandfather build especially for my grandmother so we could all fit. Food gone, dishes done and all cleaned up and then the presents started.
Youngest to oldest was the order. The gifts were distributed by the kids and the youngest opened all their presents and then the next and the next until everyone had completed the task. It was long but never boring. Laughter reigned for the entire day. It was the best thing I remember.
What is your story? How do you remember Christmas and family? I am a blessed man to have these memories and I hope you have some great ones too but at the very least, call your mom. Call your dad but if they are gone then spend some time reflecting on the good times and smile. Maybe even laugh a bit.
God bless you all this holiday season. Christ came to save us. To teach us how to live and he has gone to prepare a place for us. He is coming back but until he does you can slice off a little bit of heaven by spending it with family and maybe sharing a slice of pie and maybe a good story from your past.
Thanks for listening,
Jerry Robertson