December Reflections

Well, here we are, and to our disbelief saying hello to the last month of the year as we bid adieu to 2008. For me, December’s days are filled with holiday rushing, rejoicing and reflection. Along with millions of others, I celebrate the significance of the season with wishes of Merry Christmas to family and close friends. Between my husband’s practice, my business and personal friends we mail about 500 greetings of joy, which our USPS client tell us they appreciate! A live tree with splashes of bright lights fills our living room and my annual Christmas Tea for the Startegic staff are a few of the traditions I hold close.

Reflection takes more time. It begins with the magnetic gratitude of Thanksgiving. Around the country, families and friends gather to enjoy the traditional feast of favorite dishes, roasted turkey and homemade pumpkin pie to give thanks for time together and our many blessings.

This year was different. Hours before festivities in America began terrorists in Mumbai chose to take rather than give. The 60 hour siege would end the life of at least 195 people. Walking along the beach this Thanksgiving morning, warmed by the sun, with sounds and sights of glistening waves dancing on shore, I stopped for one glorious moment to just be. With silent thanks for life, I began to pray for those who would never sit with their families again and celebrate each other or ever give thanks for their life, blessings and opportunities.

Suffering is everywhere. People longing for lost loved ones. Those who are ill, hungry, lonely and the homeless are all around us. We become especially thankful when the shock of savage rage like that in Mumbai takes life in acts of violence. Or when we are face-to-face with the broken souls we meet on our streets as we go about living. “There but by the Grace of God go I.” Thankful? Yes, and we must ask ourselves, is there more to give than thanks?

Every December my reflections of the past year include gratitude and a commitment to being a better person and helping people less fortunate. At the top of my list is helping the millions of neglected and abused children who have no voice without you and me. Even though times are tough for many of us, we each have the opportunity to help one another either monetarily or with our time, consideration and kindness. It is after all “A Wonderful Life” isn’t it?

We know you, our friends and clients, are generous and making a difference with causes closest to your heart. For anyone who wants to help, but doesn’t know where or how we have listed a few considerations for your convenience.

Contributions for Mumbai victims:

• Indian Red Cross Society www.indianredcross.org

There are many national children’s organizations including

• Childhelp www.childhelp.org

And in Los Angeles…

• The Children’s Bureau of Los Angeles www.all4kids.org
• Harvest Home www.theharvesthome.net

Check out your local food banks. In the Los Angeles area, some of the organizations are:

• Food on Foot (310)442-0088
• Westside Food Bank Donations (310)828-6016
• Los Angeles Food Bank (323)234-3030

Wishing you peace and joy!

Judyth

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