Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of Mrs. Marie Faircloth’s readers. Mrs. Marie asked me (one of her elves) to do her newsletter this week. I don’t know how many of you realize how busy she is, but she puts Santa to shame. She is constantly seeking organizations to keep members of the center informed and entertained. She relies on volunteers who generously open their hearts and minds to others.

December, for the center, was a short month but it was packed with activities and the kindness of others.

Seniors were blessed to have Pearl’s Academy come on Dec. 11. The children brought handmade gifts that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. They sang songs that warmed hearts. On Dec. 12, numerous volunteers prepared a wonderful Christmas feast that was appreciated and enjoyed by all. The building was filled with laughter, fellowship and joyous singing. Everyone had a great time. On Dec. 13, Carpenter Ministries came and provided a devotional and food that nourished the soul and body. Everyone is always appreciative of all they provide each week. On Dec, 14, Claudia Matthis, a wonderful lady in the neighborhood, provided a brunch for the ladies of the center. Anyone still interested in donating toys for children can contact Vanessa Polk or Linda Armstrong at the Department of Aging at 592-4693.

Garland Senior Center closed for 2012 on Friday Dec. 14 and will reopen for 2013 on Jan. 2.

Everyone come back ready to get the New Year started.

Remember computer classes and basic keyboarding classes will begin on Jan. 14. Contact Mrs. Marie at 529-3931 if interested in signing up.

Okay this is where Mrs. Marie does her weekly words of inspiration/devotion, right? I didn’t have to think very hard or very long on what I wanted to say here. I bet it’s not hard to guess what’s been on everyone’s mind lately. Wonder what Mrs. Marie’s readers have been thinking about. What should we all be thinking about this time of year? What should we all be thinking about all year long? Well, for me it’s not hard. On Dec. 14, a small community that is approximately a fourth of the size of Clinton and only two thirds bigger than Garland suffered an unthinkable and unspeakable tragedy. Unthinkable because who wants to think about so many lives being lost. Unspeakable because when an act so horrific is spoken, we face the reality that we have failed somewhere. People keep saying “society” has failed. People blame God or their Higher Power. People blame guns. People blame the young man who pulled the trigger. But in my opinion I see that “I” have failed. No, I had nothing to do with that morning but really if I stop and think, this could have happened in any community in this country. It is happening in communities too often already. I stop and wonder who have I ignored and not reached a hand out to in times of need? Who have I been to busy to extend a helping hand? Who needed the phone call I kept saying I can make later? We believe there is always going to be a later. But really? Can we really say that we will have later? Can we say we love everyone regardless of race, religion, or their doings? When someone does something we don’t like, do we have the right to turn our backs and ban them from our lives? I do my best to be tolerant of others whether they believe differently than I do or whether they do things that aren’t right. Now, this does not mean I condone what they do or that I intend to follow in their footsteps. But maybe, just maybe they will see how I am kind and gentle and accepting of others regardless of their mistakes or beliefs and they might have a change of heart. I can hope can’t I? My kindness is not fake—it is genuine. Can’t you catch more flies with honey than vinegar?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Please let’s take time to love each other put aside arguments and anger. Never take a moment for granite. Can you say you will be here tomorrow? Can you say the person or persons you have an issue with will be here tomorrow? I don’t want to wait for later. I want those who are in my life to know exactly how I feel right now. I love them all whether they believe in what I believe in or not. Whether they do what I want them to do or not. Whether they choose to follow in my footsteps or someone else’s. But I want them to know I love them and accept them and I am here no matter what happens. I want them to know they can come to me in times of need and I will do my best to help. Let’s all take the time to reach out to our loved ones and the ones you might not love so much. Soften our hearts be a family. Never think that you will have time “later”. Give this gift of love to your family, friends, acquaintances, and neighbors. Let’s practice love throughout the entire year. Make this Christmas a truly Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday! Hug everyone a little tighter tonight and whisper in their ear or to the heavens how much you love them. Say a prayer for the families who have lost loved ones to such tragic acts as the one in Connecticut.

Be thankful for another day. Merry Christmas everyone!