Doesn't it seem like the holidays start earlier and earlier every year?  Halloween turns the corner, and in a heartbeat we have switched from costumes and candy to Pilgrims and Progress in life .... and friends .... and family, too ... the center of who and what we are, hope to become, have ever wanted or longed to be.   The roots bind and tie us, often trip us into places we never thought we would be ...but somehow, the life blood sustains and nourishes us, and  we remain thankful for these connections in heart and spirit ... and the family feasts we share  … at Thanksgiving.

There are many who long for this time together, and many who can only be a part of the family at a distance, so far away from our hearts they exist in reality of experience.  In our thoughts and prayers, we sustain these connections though, praying for the safe return of those in uniform and service who proudly serve in so many dimensions of Faith, but seldom see the gratitude of grateful souls ...  

And others, close in spirit are beyond us protecting other borders so we can come together and enjoy the feast, the seasonal offerings of thanks we give for life and love and being a part of something tangible and precious that connects our lives to others with meaning.   There are empty places set in honor of those who are with us in spirit, but seldom do we set a place for those who do not have a home to go to, or a meal to share, or even a song in their hearts to inspire hope for another day ….

We are needed … all of us … as individuals and collectively, to make these spirits ‘bright’ this season, so they, too, can know by the heart light we offer in a kind word, or a helpful hand, that they matter too.  

It only takes a second, almost no time at all in the scheme of things to communicate this Love and let it resound in the universe as the inspiration for others to remember the ‘family feast’ too.  Make a difference this year.  Sustain the ‘family table’ where all are welcome, and offer to help the one you least would be willing to help.  Pick up the tab for dinner, or leave a box of food on a struggling family’s stairs … offer to baby-sit and pay for a meal out, or come up with a creative way to send the same message:  

You are needed.  You matter.  You, too, are invited to the banquet table …

Magic and Miracles [The Magi]