After Friday’s events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, my children seem a little sweeter.  A little squabble among siblings over a candy cane is endearing compared to the violent events that just occurred.  Many people are grieving, not just for the ones lost, but the state of our world.

Confucius said, “To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right.”

This holiday season, remember to give the gift of your present moment attention to yourself and your family.  You might have every reason in the world to attend to work, holiday festivities, and gift-giving details.  You are not alone.  This time of year sets up a flurry of obligations, frustrations, and irritations.  The Christmas song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”  Does that make you chuckle and roll your eyes?

Well, there is truth there.  It really is the most wonderful time of the year.  Every present moment we have is a most wonderful time, just as wonderful as the moment before.  The present is a gift to us to embrace and enjoy.  As parents, we tend to look to the future, to plan, to fret.  Or we get caught up in guilt from the past.  In either imaginary place, we are powerless.  The only power we have is in the present.

For the next few weeks, let’s join our children in receiving all the joys of the present.  Do your best to make time to connect with your kids and tell them how important they are to your family.  Hug them, cuddle in front of the fireplace, ask them about their dreams and what makes them happy.

Take a breath and slow yourself down for a moment to connect with your children.  They will take you by the hand and lead you to a world where all is good and pure and true because it is their world.  Go with them.  Your world can wait.

If your children led you to peace and fulfillment in this busy holiday season, please leave a comment.  We wish you much love and blessings for the holidays and the new year!