07/15/2026
Wonderful were the days of few options and unquestioned beliefs.
When being good meant getting something on a simple list of things.
When wishing was more exciting than having,
And days were filled with anticipation of dreams come true.
Humbling was the day I realized that other people had inside-outs.
And from inside themselves, gifts were just as desired,
And disappointments, equally as painful as mine.
That day, I began to understand compassion and sharing.
Bountiful was the day when in a moment I could see a gift.
With a glance, often-unnoticed things became noticed,
And noticed gifts were rarely the ones I sought
Or expected.
Fulfilling were the days of gratitude and recognition,
When I never intended to be noticed, but was.
But richer were the days I noticed value in someone else,
And, through my vision, they better saw themselves.
Challenging were the days when pain seemed endless,
When in a moment, an unexpected gift left me speechless,
And unearthed in me a simple but profound realization,
Held at my core, shared, timeless and eternally applicable.
I no longer believe that life holds promise of exact things.
For me, worthy gifts are seldom flashy.
Often they are small acts of kindness--simple words from strangers—
Easily overlooked, but life changing when seen.
Being present for me is more rewarding than hope or desire,
Awareness as I move forward
Sometimes with fear, sometimes with confidence,
But still walking, ready to affect and be affected.
Now, with naked heart, I expose myself to life’s gifts.
Releasing that which hides rather than protects.
I appreciate my not knowing, my unpreparedness, my discovery
For in my smallness I see a truth that makes me big and sure.
May the joy of the season come from discovering gifts on your own path and gratitude for those gifts that endure and become more valued with time.
Suzanne
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