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KIDS OF CHARACTER 12/15
A Christmas Citizen Of Opportunity “Let no one imagine that they have no influence. Whoever he may be, and wherever he may be placed, the one who thinks and acts become a light and a power.” The most-played holiday song says it all, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Why do things feel look brighter despite tough times for many. Why does the kind generosity of a caring adult make the evening news? Why does our Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday Greeting make us feel happier inside? Why do Americans practice an agenda of civility sprinkling angel dust of glad tidings? It happens because we think and act with regard for others. We put our attention on pursuing the noble Good. We become sensitive to a different frequency. We take off our cranky Grinch costume and put on our cheerful elf costume. We do it because we know it is in our nature to be thoughtful and caring. It is satisfying, strengthening, and spiritual. We like it and we know it! Character mentors, Seize your opportunity! Let your Ho! Ho! heart shine. Moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers, coaches, teachers, youth volunteers…be citizens of caring. Do you know what an army of character mentors can accomplish during the holiday season? They can give priceless, timely gifts of hope and encouragement. For those who have misplaced this treasure, nothing is more valuable. A classroom teacher may need to offer supportive words to a student who has a bad home life. A coach may need to spend extra time with an athlete who is discouraged about not succeeding in their academic life. A co-worker may be facing the challenge of attending to aging, ailing parents; a neighbor right next door may have lost their spouse and are alone for the first time this holiday season. An acquaintance may have lost their job. Clearly, the anthem of encouragement and hope knows no season. But in this Christmas season, the anthem swells in ways that we may not fully understand. We simply need to take our place in the festive orchestra and take our opportunity to play our notes so that those around us can hear them and feel them. This most wonderful time of the year holds a song of promise to so many facing tough challenges. Do you hear what I hear? Is it your voice of hope and encouragement? It can be.
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