Dear Reader:

Yesterday was the annual Summerville MS Christmas luncheon at the Crossroads Community Church. This event brings much joy to everyone and I look forward to telling a Christmas story there each December.

Elizabeth Peterson is the President of this local MS affiliate and what a tremendous job she does with lots of help from dedicated members. Every year the dining room is decorated beautifully to coincide with the theme of the luncheon. This year it was all about the candy cane and legend behind it. (You can see how much work went into the candy cane center pieces on each table from the top photo.)

There was even a “J” for Jesus candy cane added on each cake square for dessert. The detail that goes into this luncheon is unbelievable!

The food is delicious, the fellowship is friendly, and everyone’s hearts are open. Another tradition is that I ride with Mike and Honey Burrell to the event each year… Honey always gives her pottery away as a gift to each person present. Amazing. *Plus Mike and Honey walk fifty miles each year to raise money for  MS, including the Summerville affiliated organization.

The Rudolph nose photos continued with Honey and Mike as good sports. They are, one of my all-time, favorite couples to be around. They might not know it…but so many people admire their love and care for each other….great mentors for a good marriage.

And I have decided that Honey IS Santa Claus…because when she goes to give you a gift…it is never just one…the gifts just keep coming and coming and coming…like pulled from a magical extending bag. Here are a few of the gifts Honey had waiting for me…

Look at this beautiful camellia bush ready to be planted….I gasped in delight, but believe me, it was just one gift out of many! I love it! *Look below at the beautiful (natural wooden) tree angel.

Honey gave me a beautiful dolphin necklace that I immediately put on for good luck. And then when I got home there was another present in the bag and it was a Santa Dolphin Figurine…only Honey could find a Dolphin Santa for me…(I’m telling you Honey IS Santa! The secret is out!)

Andrea Andrews, my friend from our teaching days at Alston Middle School, was there to greet me and introduce me again. Another reason I look so forward to this event each year. (You notice I have Honey’s gift to me…the dolphin necklace on)

It was not until I was walking towards the podium that I realized what my opening remarks would say…it came across as clear as crystal:

“I have become aware, as I have gotten older, that a very important part of life is simply showing up.”

Everyone in the audience had their own cross to bear, whether it was MS or breast cancer or any other health issues residing within the room…yet everyone there had made a decision, a choice, to get up, get dressed, (for some this meant getting help from a caregiver) and then show up.

Show up for life. Show up to be with friends and supporters, show up to celebrate being present for another Christmas, show up to let others know the appreciation you feel for all the trouble they go to.. to provide a delicious lunch, Christmas music, storytelling, and prizes. Show up to show the world you are still alive and still love life. Show up because sometimes it is the most courageous thing we can do.

So until tomorrow…Every morning let’s make the choice to “show up” and spread the Good News of Christmas through actions and acts of kindness.

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh (at Honey’s home)