As we move from Thanksgiving to Christmas, I am reminded of how blessed I am in my life. While there will always be challenges, I know these struggles are small compared to many others. The holidays can be stressful and we can easily lose sight of what real struggles are in the hustle and bustle of the season.

It is important this time of year to remember that there is a much larger world than what we see on a daily basis. When you are well-fed, don’t forget there are those who do not know where their next meal will come from. When winter’s chill has hit your region, don’t forget an area of our nation is being ravaged by wildfires. When you get to spend time with family during the holiday season (even if that family drives you crazy sometimes), don’t forget there are those this holiday season who are all alone. When you find joy in the holiday season, don’t forget that there are those who feel hopelessly sad.

As we move into the holiday season, don’t forget that this should be a season of giving, rather than receiving. Some of you may be able to give monetarily to help those in need; some of you may be able to give your time to help those in need; some of you may be able to share a kind word of support to those in need. Our reach of support needs to be larger than what is visible right in front of us each day, we need to look at the people we pass on the street or find ways to help when people we learn about on the news or in the papers. We can each find a cause that has affected us or one that we can get behind. We just need to take the blinders off and look.

No matter how big or how small, find ways to give in the coming months. Don’t forget there is a big world beyond our daily lives and routines, and in that world something as small as a kind gesture or kind word can make all the difference. Go be a difference maker!

Until next time…Keep learning; keep growing; keep sharing!