As we once again arrive at the most widely celebrated holiday season of the entire year, let us remember the increasing multi-cultural make up of this comparatively new nation and the observances that each may also celebrate during this special time. This unique season of love may also be a most appropriate time to reevaluate the word respect itself and its vanishing appearance from our American society, from our individual behavior and perhaps from society at large.
The word respect is defined by Webster as: in reference to; to consider worthy of high regard; or to refrain from interfering with, the latter of which is more synonymous with fear as frequently referred to in holy books–as to “fear God,” not the terrified kind of fear but rather that of highest love and respect for, although the two may sometimes seem indistinguishable.
Humility, also disappearing from our new world of ever advancing technology, may be a forerunner of respect as few are able to respect what they feel in any way superior to.
From lack of example or special training disrespect continues to run rampant through our society at home in parent/children relationships and among both, in work places between labor and management and among each, and especially behind the wheels of far too many vehicles on today’s streets and highways. Unfortunately this trend of disrespect has a domino effect, as does any consistently practiced or exposed to.
Therefore during this special season of love and fellowship may we conscientiously vow to display more respect for ourselves, our immediate family, friends and associates and especially for the differences in each, regardless of age, race, culture or other self-imposed barrier, that we may serve more as a light than a judge, a model and not a critic and a thermostat setting the climate about it, rather than just another thermometer registering it.
It is through respect–for one’s Creator (however you perceive It)–that we are able to respect Its creation, and through which other virtues derive–as courtesy, patience, equity, truthfulness, servitude and many others. May we also remember during this celebration of God’s Gift to the world that each of our lives is a gift from God; what we each make of it is our gift to God.
This holiday season, may we not be content with offering mere platitudes of gratitude for our immediate blessings but by making our lives a blessing instead to all with whom we come in contact. Only then will we be assured of a . . . Happy Holiday Season, all year through!
