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Living Well - Christmas is about helping out

Vicky Trill's monthly fitness column on nourishing the spirit as well as the body.

Amongst my busy schedule and long “To Do List”, I realized that Christmas is just around the corner. Do you know how I am sure that Christmas is just around the corner? I stopped for a second and looked up and that’s when I saw it. A wonderful reminder. You’ve probably noticed it lighting the sky in Ashcroft. It’s become a tradition. I look forward to and it makes me smile when I see it. It’s bright and visible and lights the Mesa above Ashcroft. It’s the shooting star. I love that star and I do not even know the person who puts it up for all to enjoy every year.

As I thought about the shooting star and how much I appreciate it, I wondered if the person who put it up knows how much I enjoy it and how I look forward to seeing it every year. I’m sure there’s a certain amount of work and effort that goes into putting up that star, however each year, it’s there. I wondered, Is there anything I do that brings a bright spot to someone’s day?

Christmas is not the happy, exciting time for everyone. We are reminded at Christmas, more than other time of year, that there are many who need our generosity and care. The Food Bank and Elizabeth Fry Society do a great work in our communities and around the world in providing necessary food to people in need. A local group called “The Equality Project” is providing food, clothing, firewood, a listening ear and other life needs to local folks.

What can I do? I can join these worthy causes and more than that, I can make an effort to stop focusing on checking off my “To Do List and instead look up to see the needy all around me. Proverbs 19:17 says: “The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.” It makes me think about people like Mother Theresa who gave her life in caring for the needy.V

I’m sure, I can find some time this month and throughout the year to do my part too. All I need to do is stop...and look up.

Vicky Trill