The red, green and pale white lights illuminate the snow saturated street, signaling to civilization that another Christmas is close at hand; 'twill soon be here. We all are aware that the holidays are a time for fun, family and festiveness; however, let us not be given over to the spirit of forgetfulness of those less fortunate.
No, I am not speaking of those without fiscal means, though we should think of those as well; no, I am thinking of what Johnny Cash referred to as "the sick and lonely old". I think of those confined to the walls of a benevolence home due to physical frailty, fragility or mental instability. Those who sit day after day staring out a window: looking, hoping and praying.
They look for someone to come and comfort them, to hold their hand and hug their tired bodies; they hope for joy and they pray for love and deliverance. The mentally ill, the elderly and the houseless are three classes of people that most of society would rather forget. It is easier to shove them in a shelter, a home, or an institution and rid your mind of their very existence.
I humbly submit that no one, regardless of their mental health, housing situation or chronological challenges should be left unloved, should be left lonely especially during this season. No one should have to cry at night wishing someone would just talk to them and tell them they are loved; a simple hug or kiss to the cheek can literally change someone's life.
Everyone deserves to be loved and to be told they are loved. Jesus Christ commanded that we love he didn't suggest it. It is easy to love those who are like us, who act like us, who smell like us and who talk like us. It takes a little more work to love those who do not posses the aforementioned attributes.
But I assure you the rewards far outweigh the toil required. So, make it a point to call your local nursing home and ask if there is a resident who lacks regular visitors; contact your local shelter and ask how you can help; love someone who talks or walks a little different than you do. Be a blessing and I give you my word you will be blessed; fear not for perfect love casts out all fear.
