[Leed]

Days of Healing Days of Joy....................................................Dec. 4th

"It is good to act as if. It is even better to grow to the point where it is no longer an act....................................................Charles Holton

Many of us do not even know what feeling jolly is like, let alone being jolly because of a calendar date. As much as we'd like to rise to this puzzling condition, the fact that the holidays are coming only makes us feel guilty somehow.

It doesn't help to be told we should be merry and lighthearted at this time of year. But it does help to remind ourselves that holiday celebration is largely a matter of choice. We can choose to join the flow of holiday shoppers and buy gifts for the people we love. We can choose to smile, to enjoy the music, cook special foods, and have friends in.

Heaven knows we've had some experience at faking our feelings. We can do so again. And who knows - maybe this time we'll get caught up in it instead of "acting as if."
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Today, I ask God for the grace of a glad heart.

This season has always been hard for me, and as the reading says, I've had to act "as if." I've acted this way almost all my life. I'm sure it stems from my childhood, and a lot of experiences throughout my life that have been difficult. Usually once I begin shopping I can get into the spirit somewhat, which helps but I am glad when the holidays are over.