Tonight (Dec. 1) is the beginning of Hanukkah, and as I think about the season of lights, I am also aware that it brings out the best in people.  Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Diwali, Loy Krathong, the Winter Solstice or another I have not named...this is a time for illumination, hope and extending our hearts.   

We have the unique opportunity to bring consciousness to this season.  All of us want to feel safe, loved and worthwhile. While we carry these desires with us throughout the year, somehow this season offers us more intentionality.   It becomes easier to take time to be with those we love, to extend a hand to those in need and touch into compassion, forgiveness and our longing to heal the suffering around us.  While some of us may not recognize how an act of kindness, a smile, an encouraging word can ease another...in every person there is a world...and an opportunity to offer a bit of light, hope and love. 

As we wake each morning between now and years end, let us connect to our desire to make a difference in one person's life.  It may be in the form of a simple act...opening a door, helping someone with a shopping bag, thanking the cash register person, letting those you love know how they make your life easier...your heart will be lighter and joy will flow through.  It is infectious!

I leave you with a lovely quote by William Penn

"If there is any goodness I can show, or any good I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."