Positive Presence

HAPPYYYYY NEW YEAR. 

Really wishing that this year brings you endless happiness and growth. Any new year resolutions lined up. Ooh I forgot to ask, how was you Christmas. Did you have yummy plum cakes and wines. I am not a big fan of plum cakes. What about you? Are you a fan of those rich, fruity treats, or do you prefer a different kind of cake maybe Chocolate cakes like me. Let me know what you like, I am always curious about other people’s Favorite festive foods.

I have been thinking about how we can all make a positive impact this year. And that made me remember a question I got this Christmas. It wasn’t a complicated question, but it made me think. So, I thought I do share it with you as well. The question was simple but yet profound. “What is Christmas? Why do you celebrate Christmas?” How would you answer if I ask you the same? I gave a simple answer. “It is the birthday of Jesus Christ”. But then came a follow up question that really made me pause. “Why do you celebrate the birthday of someone who is no longer alive? Do you celebrate the birthday of anyone who is dead?” It is a fair question, right? But the truth is that we don’t just celebrate his birth, but we celebrate the change he brought into the world. Christians believe Jesus died for people’s sin. He broke the barrier of sin and reconnected humanity with God.

The other day I heard a story shared by a priest. He was sharing the experience he had when he joined a local court to play. The court was filled with people from all sorts of backgrounds. When he shared this news of joining the court with other church members, they were concerned saying that it was not a suitable place for a priest. They explained that the people there often used foul language and didn’t behave in a good manner.

Despite the concerns, as the priest had already signed the membership he continued to go there. And here is the surprising part. Over the time the atmosphere in the court began to change. People were conscious that a priest is with them. They started watching their language and being more mindful of their words whenever he was around. Eventually, they completely stopped using the bad language altogether. Here the presence of someone people value changed them.

We all have that ability. Our presence can change the atmosphere, mood and bring lots of happiness and change to our loved ones. So, this year why not you add this into your resolution list to be a force of positive change. Keep enjoying your life and don’t forget to keep your beautiful smile on your beautiful face. Have a beautiful day and beautiful year ahead.