Tuesday – 12/20/2016

“Baby, it’s cold outside.”

It’s crazy to fathom that Christmas is a few days away. As I’ve gotten older, it seems that December 25th arrives earlier each year. Perhaps it’s because when younger, we’re obsessed with the anticipation of what’s to come, which inevitably seems to slow things down.

Our focus is not misplaced on the commercial side of things, or the busyness that consumes the holidays. Rather, we choose to relish in the joy and wonderment this special day brings with it.

Sometimes it’s nice to remember what Christmas is truly about.

This time of year can also be difficult, as it tends to highlight the emptiness we may feel in our hearts due to loved ones we have lost. That is why God has sent us His son, Jesus. To fill the void in our hearts and fill our lives with that joy and wonderment we had as a child. He is here to give us all the peace we seek.

Yes, it’s good to remember what Christmas is really about.

Recently, I was made aware of yet another tragic story involving a spinal cord injury. This particular incident hIt pretty close to home as there were several factors that reminded me of my situation.

Atlanta Couple Needs Help to Overcome Tremendous Tragedy

Christmas is another chance for me to reflect on my situation and be thankful for where I am today. I pray that this Atlanta couple will soon find a similar feeling of comfort and assurance in the years to come.

As for this past year, some significant milestones were achieved:

I celebrated the Big 4-0! However, this was immediately followed by a string of unfortunate events which prompted me to declare that next year’s birthday will be a do-over.

Lindsey and AJ tied the knot! They welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Perry, into the world “nine months” later. Needless to say, in doing so, they made me one proud uncle!

I moved into a brand-new home! It’s a house I personally designed and had built. Something I expect will serve as an inspiration and impetus for future “The Quad” projects.

Getting Back Up awarded $20,000 in exercise and product grants to individuals! Hopefully, the assistance provided will help them towards achieving a better quality of life.

There’s still a few days left in the year. Looking for a year-end tax deduction? Consider a donation to either Getting Back Up or LEAP, two worthy organizations that help those who need it the most.

Finally, I’m sure we are all aware of the suffering and injustice that exists in the world. One only needs to watch the news or read the paper for a grim reminder. But we should not lose sight of the greater amount of kindness and decency that surrounds us. This is a great time of the year for us to be reminded of that.

In the words of Bill Murray, from the movie, Scrooged:

“It’s Christmas Eve! The one night of the year when we all act a little nicer. We smile a little easier. We cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year, we are the people that we always hoped we would be.

There are people who are having trouble making their miracle happen. There are people who don’t have enough to eat. There are people who are cold. You can go out and say hello to these people. You can take an old blanket out of the closet and give it to them, or make them a sandwich.

If you give, then it can happen. The miracle can happen to you. It’s not just the poor and hungry, it’s everybody who’s got to have this miracle. And it can happen tonight for all of you. If you believe in this spirit thing, the miracle will happen and then you’ll want it to happen again tomorrow.

You won’t be a person who says, ‘Christmas is once a year and it’s a fraud.’ It’s not! It can happen every day, you’ve just got to want that feeling. And if you like it and you want it, you’ll get greedy for it! You’ll want it every day of your life. And it can happen to you.

I believe in it now! I believe it’s going to happen to me now! I’m ready for it! And it’s great! It’s a good feeling, it’s really better than I’ve felt in a long time. I’m ready. Have a Merry Christmas, everybody!”

Stand Strong!

Scott