It came without tags

As you have no doubt observed, I love CS Lewis’ writing and thinking. He is one of the reasons I went to London to earn my doctorate in international education. From my childhood to the present, he has influenced my thinking and reflections. ?In 1954, as he had grown very frustrated about the holiday season, he created a fictional story about a land called Niatirb (Britain spelled backward). One of his lines was, "“Can it really be my duty to buy and receive masses of junk every winter just to help the shopkeepers?”?Lewis believed that all the time, energy, and resources spent on gift giving was missing the point of the winter holidays. I bet CS Lewis loved How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and that Ted Geisel was thinking about Niatrib when the grinch reflected, “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!"

Nearly every Thursday for the last 7 years I have met with a dear friend of mine, Lee Forstrom. We spend our time sharing our reflections, learning, and life-lessons. This past year we have been studying a 3,000-year-old story about two leaders. Both had tremendous leadership attributes (Courageous, decisive, passionate, clear vision, willing to take risks, effective communicators, a long list). The fundamental difference between them was that one was unable to accept responsibility for his decisions and the other (eventually) owned and believed he was accountable for the impact of his choices. A thousand years later a child was born that was called his son, because (as the story goes) he became accountable for all our shortcomings and paid the price for us.

I am not sharing this to influence you to believe the stories, but reflecting on a truth, each of our lives have an impact on others and our choices have consequences. I suspect that if CS Lewis were alive today, he would be even more frustrated about how the role of leadership seems to be about managing an image and avoiding consequences. That great leaders seem to be those who declare truth from a pedestal but do not demonstrate accountability for their choices.

For the past few months, for some reason, the reality of how my choices impact others, the need to hear perspectives and gain insights, and learning from others has been cycling in my head. Your thoughts, feedback, questions, and insights are the greatest gifts I could receive?in any season, and I am grateful and humbled by them. Thank you!

St Francis of Assisi once said, "For it is in giving that we receive.” The paradox of giving and receiving is grounded in this concept. If we really want to receive, we must give, and what we gain is not more presents. The greatest gift of all "doesn’t come with ribbons. It comes without tags. It comes without boxes or bags." The greatest gifts of all is the true meaning of Christmas. When we chose to put others first, when we accept ourselves for who we are we receive peace, love, and acceptance.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season!