This is a Season of Kindness

The antidote to fear isn't faith, it's love. That's because faith doesn't exist in a vacuum. Rather, you believe someone you know and trust. You are certain they have your best interests at heart, and that they have the power to do what they say.

However, it's difficult to accept love when you have little reference for it. I am lucky in this regard. I had a good dad. And so, when I think of God, I've got a benchmark. In my mind, if God loves me more than my dad did, then that's a fantastic thing.

Christmas is such a good time to gift people love. You never know what folks are going through and this may be the only time they receive kindness or experience human warmth. Because many are in a good mood, there's much magic in the air.

The season can be bittersweet. On the one hand, I love global celebrations - not just Christmas, but also the World Cup, Olympics and so on. It's special when the world suspends negativity for a time and comes together in goodwill. But on the other hand, I'm reminded my parents are no longer with me. So the usual practice of convening at their home during the holidays is no more. As I do not have a family of my own, I have not yet replaced the old tradition with a new one.

That feeling of lonesomeness is partly why I am especially kind at Christmas. I know what it is to be alone. I also recognize the necessity of giving. For some orphanages, this is when they are able to put smiles on kids' faces because of kind donations. Some working adults can finally afford an important item because of the steep holiday discounts. Deeply troubled souls are lifted for a moment because of a passing, "Merry Christmas" and smile.

So if you can, do that giveaway, send that gift, make that donation and invite that person to your party. Be liberal with your felicitations. Greet everyone around you. Dispel a little of the darkness with your light.

Also receive kindness. Open your heart. Attend that event or church meeting, just so you can be around people and be cheered up.?Make an attempt to step out of your comfort zone this season. Speak about your needs on your social platforms. In this period of goodwill, you never know who's reading and who will respond with kindness.

In closing, I pray for everyone who's alone this Christmas; who's broken and beaten down. May light pierce through the darkness and may kindness still find you even at the last moment. Let this be the last time you will be lonely. Something new will replace the same old stuff.

I sincerely wish you a beautiful Christmas.

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