This is the email that sparked this story....
I have a list of people
All written in a book -
And every year at Christmas time
I go and take a look.
And that is when I realise
That those names are all a part -
Not of the book they're written in
But of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone
Who has crossed my path some time -
And in that meeting they've become
A treasured friend of mine.
And once you've met some people
The years can not erase -
The memory of a pleasant word
Or of a friendly face.
So when I send an email
That is addressed to you -
It's because you're on that 'Special list'
Of folk that I'm indebted to.
And you are one of several folk
In times past that I've met -
And happen to be one of those
I don't want ever to forget.
And whether I have known you
For many years or few -
In some way you have had a part
In shaping things I do.
So this, the Spirit of Christmas
That forever still endures -
May it leave its richest blessing
In the hearts of you and yours!
from our home to yours.
For me, the list of people is in my head and any day of the year a memory may be sparked by some trigger like a song, a TV show, a picture, passing by a familiar place, seeing someone somewhere, a phone call, a license plate number, a name, and the list goes on...
And I take a look at myself.
I take a reading of myself as I notice my reaction to the triggered memory of ole. Is there more forgiveness work to do or is my heart sparkling with love for the person or situation. Am I needing to release and let go! Let God!
And even those that I struggled with, crossed my path as a needed gift to fertilize my growth. And in that meeting of our minds earned a place as a treasured friend of mine. I give thanks to all of you for stretching my horizons.
For some I meet, it may take a moment to remember your name or how our paths have crossed. For some I may have to gently ask you your name and take a moment to connect the dots of how we know each other. Faces I know I've met before sometimes need to be connected to the name and the history of who we were. Or maybe the why we know each other is clear but not the name, or the name rings a bell but not the why. Details somewhere buried deep in the memory cells of my being, but the years can not erase the feeling of knowing which is always there on the surface.
And even those I do not send an email to, are on that 'Special list' Of folk that I'm indebted to. Maybe someday when I am brave I will stop resisting and include you on my email list.
At first I may have tried to forget, wanting to run away from pain and shame. Eventually I came around and discovered more of me. At times I try to hang on tight to sweet moments in my life. As I struggle to stay stuck, life drags me forward offering to show me more, teaching me lessons that open me to let go, embracing change.
And even strangers who I don't know - for example those that drive by me and I have reacted to, having a mental conversation in my mind about something you did. In some way you have had a part in shaping things I do.
To all of you, may the Christmas Spirit leave its richest blessing
In the hearts of you and yours!
Sage
Dec. 21/16
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