Give Lots of Presence for Christmas

Give Lots of Presence for Christmas
 
My grandmother Elizabeth died when giving birth to her eighth child. My grandfather Jesse had seven children to support and was very poor.  I did not realize that he was poor when I was growing up. He was such a happy, giving person. The only material gift I ever received from him was a rocker for Christmas. I was 4 years old and I still have it today. The other treasure I still cherish is the gift of his total presence on the many occasions I needed someone to talk to. He would sit and listen as he would whittle a piece of wood with his pocket knife. This undivided attention made me feel so special and enabled me to share all my stories with someone who really listened.
 
Because of this admirable trait in him I unconsciously developed the ability to listen to others. I am not a big sports enthusiast so in my career in marketing I had to constantly listen to my client’s enthusiasm over the latest game. I didn't have to say much or know much for that matter. They colorfully related every play and their opinion on each and every call by the referees. Good listening and a few exclamations bonded me to their experiences.
 
However when their conversation gravitated to their company and any problems they were having, my listening skills became much more fine-tuned so that I could offer a practical solution. This allowed me to create a Creative Marketing program for my clients. The success of this program helped me to receive international recognition from my company. Another day, another time I will talk about a posting I had on my vision board related to this program and the resulting goal achievement. It still remains one of the most amazing manifestations in my life and an inspiration to anyone with whom I share it.
 
Yesterday was a day of mixed feelings. It was a sad day as it was the first funeral we had for one of our members of the Good Timers. Joel will be missed. And it was a heartwarming day. The funeral Mass was beautiful. His daughter and son-in-law then opened their home for a luncheon celebration of Joel’s life. You could sense the appreciation of our presence by his wife Ann and their family. This experience made me reflect on my experience with my grandfather.  It also made me realize the real gift we are to one another by our presence in both sad and happy events of life.
 
As I approach Christmas I need to remind myself to give the most important gift to our grandchildren, my presence.
 
 
 
Always say 'yes' to the present moment... Surrender to what is. Say 'yes' to life - and see how life starts suddenly to start working for you rather than against you.
Eckhart Tolle