Last night I watched the Michelle Obama special. She spoke of many things, but one topic she touched on several times resonated with me. She said, "I don't have any complaints."
After she spent time with military families, with their frequent moves and the obstacles and loss they deal with, she said, "I can't complain because of my little problems."
When her daughters started to whine about the ever-present Secret Service agents, she and President Obama would shut them down immediately. Too much security and being too safe? Not a problem.
During this time of year, we might be tempted to complain about the craziness of the holiday, about all the last minute stuff we have to do. We might moan and groan about the cold weather. We might gripe about how our money isn't stretching as far as we'd like (to cover the expense of gift-giving).
However, if we have family and friends and get-togethers to look forward to... we're lucky.
If we have a warm house to come home to, if we have a bed with blankets and pillows to settle into at night... we're fortunate...
... because there are many people who don't have those things.
Consider keeping some packaged food in your car during the next week or so, for the homeless. Some granola bars, muffins, beef jerky--whatever you'd like. Then, when you're stopped at a busy corner and there's a homeless person, you can at least help them out in a small way.
On Thursday Radar and I will be at Half-Price Books in University City all day. He'll be begging for bellyrubs and pettings. I will be begging for donations to Love a Golden Rescue. Our group will be there on the 23rd and the 24th as well. Most of the time--except on the afternoon of Christmas Eve--it will be me wrapping the gifts, and on the morning of the 24th it will be a different dog. If you have the chance, go book shopping. I'll be glad to wrap up your purchase before you go... and whatever golden retriever is there, they'll gladly roll over for a belly rub...
... 'Cause goldens (who are lucky enough to be in good homes) are certainly livin' the good life...
I wish I could make it Thursday, but I am taking Liam to Six Flags for the holiday lights, along with his mama and grandma, my daughter a four generation event. Your fur baby is a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteLinda--What a fun time you ladies (and the little gentleman) will have. I hope you take some selfies/pictures.
DeleteRadar looks so regal. And well-behaved. Not much of either around our house. With our pets, either.
ReplyDeleteVal--Not much around your house? I thought "Hick" was Greek for King...
DeleteRadar does not act like this at home. At home, he's a wild boy. Totally cray-cray. But at the bookstore, he mistakenly thinks he's a trained therapy dog--he has NOT had the training yet--and is on his best behavior. He's been going there since he was six months old, does several all-day sessions, and gets lots of attention when he goes there--all this might account for the semi-angelic appearance.
Wish I could be there. Boo. Hope you have lots of fun. Radar really is a handsome boy, crazy or not. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this post. Sometimes it takes something drastic to remind us that we have it pretty good. There but for the grace of God, etc. It has been that kind of a week here, with one of our dearest friends in the hospital for removal of a cancerous kidney. Scary stuff.
Lisa--I guess I like 'em handsome and I like 'em crazy. :)
DeleteRadar is such a handsome boy! I'm already booked on Thursday, or I'd be bookin' it down to see you at the book store. Books and dogs. Yay! Can't think of a more pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
ReplyDeleteHope the event is a great success. Merry Christmas!
Pat--Merry Christmas to you!
DeleteMind if I share this post? I've already shared the brownie recipe and expect to bake a batch today for our family get-together. I found you on Claudia's blog and Elephant's Child's. I'm a retired teacher. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeletePatricia--Share away. And don't blame me if you decide the brownies are irresistible... and have a great holiday.
DeleteI also saw the interview and hung on every word. Such dignified, intelligent, and classy people they are despite was people say who only see a darker skin tone! We need more of this caliber of human. Merry Christmas, Sioux!
ReplyDeleteClaudia--They are an incredible family.
DeleteI hope you have a fabulous Christmas and New Year celebration, Claudia.
Preach it, Sister! :-) My mom had a favorite saying: Be thankful for what you've got. I guess great minds think alike. ♥
ReplyDeleteHope your event is a golden success! ;-)
Cathy--Your mom was right. There is always someone in worse shape than you are.
DeleteThanks. We're wrapping gifts three days this week. It's fun to talk to people about their dogs and cats... Everybody's got a story. Or two.
Michelle is certainly a class act and a brilliant one. I'm sitting in a warm office watching the falling snow, grateful that I have a home and a way to get there.
ReplyDeleteJono--She's the epitome of class. I guess you folks have already had lots of snow already. We've just had a dusting so far.
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