'Tis the season...

During this time of year there seems to be more acts of kindness, caring, and giving.  I love seeing that.  It's just sad that this time of year is when we notice this more than the rest of the year, but that seems to be how it works.  However, I'm still amazed at some of the things people choose to focus on (even during this time of year).  When I think about the families that have their loved ones overseas putting their lives on the line 24/7 for our freedoms, those fighting cancer still today (far too many), those facing the first holiday after losing a loved one, those who are put in what seems like impossible situations, but trying to make the best of it anyway and then I witness those that seem to be preoccupied with hurting others or neglecting those that really need to have some love and care it breaks my heart. 
Unfortunately, I'm reminded daily, hourly, by the minute, each second of what gratitude is and wishing you had someone back that you love and the reality that you won't see them again until you enter the gates of heaven.  To see so many people in this world today not cherishing or taking for granted that their loved ones will just always be there is hard. 
I know I don't spend the time I would like to with all my loved ones and as much as I would love to do that, it isn't reality, but I do hope and pray that they know I would be with them if I could.  I know I fall short of this on a daily basis, but I truly do try to do the best job I can. 
I believe most families are close and it hurts to the core when things aren't great with us all, but life deals us those hands at times.  It's what we decide to do with those hands that makes the most difference.  I can admit that there have been lots of times that I didn't handle some cards the best way at times, but I can also say that I do try each day to do the best I can with what I'm dealt so I can lay my head down each night and know I did the best job I could do that day and tried to be the best person I could be despite the circumstances.  I like to believe that's how we all think and try to live.
I don't know why there are people who cross our paths that do or say things that hurt us or damage relationships.  I know in my own experience it is usually something else in the mix that either drives a person to act a certain way or react in a way that we may not expect and things can then suddenly get completely out of control.  I've been a part of that kind of situation and it isn't pleasant.  I would like to think that I always chose to react the best way possible, but that wouldn't be true. I have let my emotions, pride, or whatever it might be, get in the way.  I don't like it when I chose the wrong reaction, but we are all human and it will happen from time to time.  All I can do is apologize and learn to do better the next time.  It would be nice if we lived in a world where we didn't have to worry about next time, but again, that is not reality.
I don't want to be that person that only thinks of the hurting, the lonely, the sad, etc. during the Holidays, but rather on a daily basis year around.  In my heart I feel that way all the time, but at times I know my actions may not speak that to the one who may be hurting.  I'm making a promise to myself and my family and friends as well as those out there I've yet to meet, to be a better person and to try and choose my reactions to situations in a more calm and loving way.  I will fail and I will fail often, but I will start each day with the intent and desire to do and be better and with lots of prayer and discipline I will do better.
'Tis the season...  I would like to see our world change that to 'Tis each day.  How nice would that be if we could all have a better attitude towards another person (all people) year around rather than just a season in time.