Today's Vision section features a number of local volunteers talking about the great rewards that come to those who give of themselves to others. It's a timely reminder of a seasonal lesson, but Cathy Caples, Melissa Der Manouel and others also speak to the need for volunteers to do their thing all year round.
It's an especially important message during these grim economic times -- there are many more people among us who can use the gentle touch and uplifting words of those who are there only to help.
Read the commentaries and our accompanying editorial here.
If we could just get folks to have the Spirit of Christmas all year long, Fresno would be so much the better.
No one who has not tried to offer help to a fellow neighbor will ever know how much is given back in making our neighbors feel wanted and cared about.
What we do for others defines us as a society and it is this spirit that has made this country stand out. The personal touch of a 'neighbor' is more important than that of a 'stranger'.
I hope everyone can find it within themselves to reach out to those in need in either a monetary way or with just a few kind words. Words can mean so much to someone that has no family or people to care about them. As for me I want to wish all my faellow bloggers a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year from my family to yours. Don't ever delay telling your friends and family how much you love them because tomorrow you may not have that chance. God Bless all of you.
MOI lives on a road much troubled and in a community that has lost its ability to believe in self, let alone the belief that folks care, truly care about them.
This Christmas, Christmas Angels, folks who do not live on road or community have reached out to families trying to make Christmas happen for their children. Lovely folks in Frsesno have visited the road and let some of the families know that they are part of the community and that folks care about them.
Not seeking glory, Christmas Angels have made Christmas happen for families on the road. Where there was no Christmas Tree, there is now one, and there will be presents for children who will believe in the Magic of Christmas.
Children will get to meet 'Father Christmas' and many will come to know that many in Fresno care very much.
So many lovely folks have proved to this old geezer that Christmas is a spirit carried in the hearts of many in Fresno 365 days a year.
Jackie...Dittos
Bubby aka.MOI...Dittos
It's nice to see people in a giving mood. In this economy where people's lives are being torn apart all around us, and it's going to get worse before it gets better, there is nothing like the feeling of helping.
Over in the "Seriously? Are they kidding me?" thread by Lisa Maria Boyles, she was knocked for putting up a post from Robert Winchester who was reaching out to his neighbors and strangers. Pleading because he had fallen on tough times like so many others. I was actually a little surprised at some of the reactions there. This is not the time for people to be "disturbed" by hearing of someone else's troubles. This is the time to pull together. As humans, this could be our finest hour.
"The true measure of a man is how he treats those who serve him no purpose."
-- Samuel Johnson, (1709-1784)sc