The Big Picture
Some things I get and some things don't make any sense.
I've spent a good deal of the day thinking about one of each.
First, what I don't get. I read in the paper this morning that the federal courts, for the first time, have said no to a California request for more water from the Colorado River.
I've followed this for years and it's a matter of historical fact that California has an insatiable appetite for Colorado River water.
According to an expert from the Golden State it is a foregone conclusion that water will now be transferred from the farmers in to the urban areas. The only question remaining is just what the terms of the transfer will be.
California communities are paying big bucks to entice farmers to give up their water. The situation was described as breaking the farmers' stranglehold on water rights.
So let me get this straight. Californians believe that water to fill swimming pools is far more important than water to grow food. And they are willing to pay big bucks to ensure that this will happen. Where do they think food comes from? Grocery stores?
Excuse me, that's wacky! That's one I just don't understand.
Here's one that I do, in part, get.
Yesterday I was talking to the guy at the golf shop who builds clubs for me. He's very good at what he does, he plays a good game of golf and I really enjoy our discussions.
I asked him how his Christmas was. He said that he really hates the whole Christmas thing. It's the gift giving that really gets to him. I've been in that same place.
I could hear myself in his words. I used to feel the same way about the holidays. It is different for me now and I don't even pretend to understand the change.
20 years ago I was all about humbug and such. Had a bad attitude and let everyone know how I felt. There's been a change in my life and it's difficult to explain why.
Partially it was a realization that my attitude had an adverse effect on my relationships with family, friends, and just about everyone else. I guess that somewhere along the way I got tired of being miserable for the holiday season.
Now I love the holiday season and have been thoroughly enjoying Christmas for about the last 9 or 10 years. The change has been gradual with roots back to a time when I was struggling with some personal issues and was invited by an associate at work to go to the Salvation Army and serve meals the to homeless. That was an incredible experience.
I became a regular at the Salvation Army, one Thursday a month for a couple of years. That first Christmas Season my brother spent a week as a guest in my home. On Christmas day I told him that I had to leave for a few hours to do some things. He wanted to know what would take me out away from my family on Christmas. I told him that it was to share dinner with the homeless in downtown Salt Lake.
I was somewhat surprised when he wanted to tag along. We had a good time that day and did it without having to attend a sporting event, spend money, or indulge in any other form of entertainment. I remember both of us saying that we had a good time.
As we drove home he expressed his amazement that there were so many who had no place to go. He felt a lot like I did the first time I went to the Salvation Army. He put it in words that I related to. He wasn't sure why these people where in need but he was sure that no matter the reason it was important that they have a place to go and get a good meal. And it was also a realization that this could easily happen to either one of us with a bit of bad luck and the right (or wrong) circumstances.
Or maybe it couldn't happen to us as long as we had each other. One thing definitely changed for me. I began to appreciate how much I've been given and how important it is to show gratitude.
Since then each Christmas has gotten better. I start listening to holiday music earlier in the season. We put the tree up earlier and take it down later, and I even look forward to the shopping, at least sometimes. The biggest change is that I'm not so concerned about what I get or even that I get any gifts. I mostly like the season and the feeling.
The spirit of Christmas is being with friends and family, taking time to enjoy every moment.
That's all for now....
9:21:52 PM
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