The most extended and unilateral season of caring and sharing throughout this nation and abroad has finally arrived. Formerly starting after Thanksgiving, it now begins commercially before Halloween and continues throughout the remainder of the year. But its true meaning is becoming increasingly eclipsed by commercialization, football and any number of frivolous “holiday” parties and celebrations. Even more popular are becoming the annual altruistic free giveaways of toys, food and clothing for increasing numbers of recipients who must also be assisted in being taught “how to fish” year-round and not remain just recipients of the annual fish.
It was my participation in such annual altruism many years ago that, upon approaching one front door, a young child in the front yard exclaimed, “Oh God, not another turkey!
That slapped some different reality in me of its probable meaning especially when accompanied by photos and other publicity on the presenters’ altruism. I have since, while respectfully giving homage to the throngs who continue to offer such much needed assistance, especially during this particular holiday season, to direct my limited energies and resources instead to more well established agencies and institutions that provide more permanent and professional care, education and support toward self sufficiency and independency–which brings on another challenge in itself.
Few indeed are those who handle freedoms wisely or well in every walk of life unless properly prepared to in advance. Put more simplistically, as the physical infant learns to crawl and walk, it is also taught of things, objects and practices that would be helpful or harmful without having to find it out “the hard way,” which many choose to do–the spiritual infant being no exception.
The obligation, however, falls not on the infant but on the parent. Therefore the dire need for good, systematic spiritual as well as physical training from earliest childhood–that comes most impressively from the dynamic force of example.
Thanks to my eternal friend, Herm Reavis, retired executive of Radio Station WSLC/ WSLQ I was again exposed last Sunday morning to another of the most perfect examples of continuous spiritual education I have ever witnessed throughout my near 90 years of existence.
Through special (open) invitation my family and I have attended several services there at Calvary United Methodist Church and to date I cannot tell, by appearance or special spiritual contribution, who is pastor or holds any other “elevated” position. Their open policy of dress and easy, interchangeable order of unique, simplistic and diverse spiritual contributions transcend age, race, politics, religious indoctrination or other hierarchical man-made barriers. This sweet Sunday morning service, applicable to all ages, provided the perfect ending for a horrendously busy week.
“The hearts of all children are of the utmost purity,” we read in the Baha’i Holy Writings. “They are mirrors upon which no dust has fallen. But this purity is on account of weakness and innocence, not on account of any strength and testing, for as this is the early period of their childhood, their hearts and minds are unsullied by the world. They cannot display any great intelligence. They have neither hypocrisy nor deceit. This is on account of the child’s weakness, whereas man becomes pure through his strength. Through the power of intelligence he becomes simple; through the great power of reason and understanding and not through the power of weakness he becomes sincere. When he attains to the state of perfection, he will receive these qualities; his heart becomes purified, his spirit enlightened, his soul is sensitized and tender–all through his great strength. This is the difference between the perfect man and the child. Both have the underlying qualities of simplicity and sincerity—, the child through the power of weakness and the man through the power of strength.”
During this special season of caring and sharing may we place more emphasis on its reality and less upon its fantasy in view of the purity and vulnerability of children.
HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! (Throughout the New Year)
