You are part of someone's special holiday memories, just as the others who are around your tree or at your dinner table.
 
On Saturday, I had the privilege of leading a church men's group in paying attention to the memories being created this holiday season, particularly by recalling our own great experiences and stories.  As we discussed the ways our holiday memories were created over a lifetime, we also looked at how important memories will be created this season.  Each of us is important to the stories that others will recall fondly.
 
In listening to the men's comments about meaningful holidays, it was clear to see the richness they felt from their experiences.  Memories were made by serving others, receiving special gifts from parents (such as handmade toys or a father's toys from his youth), doing special things for family members and friends, and simple interactions with family and friends.  These applied to the past and the present.
 
One of the things that struck me was what resided under the men's delivery of thoughts.  Somewhat stoic, their stories revealed great depth and feeling.  Joy filled is not always visible as joyful.  And so it is as we create memories this holiday.  We create them, we are part of them, and it may not always be apparent.  But the spirit of the holidays comes to life in each of us.  In fact, we are the spirit, whether it shows or not. 


A free newsletter about learning and getting more from life by paying attention to our own stories and the stories of others, based on the presentations, writings, photography and workshops by Dion McInnis (www.dionmcinnis.com).  Copyright 2008 Dion McInnis.  All rights reserved.