The gift of those you love

Merry Christmas! We hope you enjoyed your greatest gift today.

No, not the new power saw.

The gorgeous necklace is stunning, but that’s not it.

Nor is the fact that Aunt Bethany forgot to send you another fruitcake.

Look at the faces around you. Imagine those who can’t be with you today, but would if they possibly could. That’s what we’re talking about.

Your family is the best gift of them all.

We would go so far as to say all the world’s biggest challenges would be minimized, maybe even eradicated, if families were stronger. From the perspective of an individual, most of the problems we face as adults can be traced back to their intrusion in our childhood. Alcoholism, inattentiveness, abuse, neglect, poverty — these are the seeds of ultimate sorrow. Through strong families who are resourceful enough and healthy enough to ask for help when it’s needed — and let’s admit it, most of us need help somewhere along the line — these dire seeds need never be planted in the first place.

From the perspective of society, stronger families leading to healthier upbringings assure tidings of great joy. Spending less time in front of the TV or computer and more time doing things together, particularly out in nature, generates not only beautiful memories that last a lifetime but forge positive molds for our children’s children. Channeling anxiety and frustration into productive energy like reading and learning in many different ways reverses life’s negative momentum. Each of us has the power to choose what we do with whatever spare time we have.

Whomever serves as president, however the economic tides ebb and flow, repercussions from around the globe that land on our doorsteps, we should remember where core strength really resides — in each of us as individuals and as family members.

The world’s greatest gift this and every Christmas is strong families, whether they come from mansions or mangers.