Change can come from grown-up Christmas list

Christmas was simpler when I was a little kid. Maybe it was just that my wishes were simpler back then.

I didn’t wish for world peace so much as I just believed it already existed. And I didn’t wish that people would get along, because in my rosy little world, they did. Cue a 1970s “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” moment here.

I also believed in the magic of Christmas. Still do.

I believe that rather than name-calling and fighting, we need to remember that we belong to one another, brothers and sisters.

I believe that rather than separating people by their differences, that we should join together to make a better future for those who’ll walk in our footsteps.

I believe that instead of singling people out for their beliefs, that we should build a bridge to better understanding.

I believe that rather than building a bigger wall, that we should build a bigger table.

I believe that rather than screaming at one another to make a point heard, that we should be still and listen.

I believe that rather than mocking people, that we should reach across the divide, and join our hands and hearts to create something better.

I believe that this is possible, even though it may feel impossible right now. When I was a kid, I dreamt about growing up and changing the world. In my kid’s mind, this made perfect sense because that’s what kids did. At least, that’s what we were told a lifetime ago.

And then we grow up, and the magic is simply pushed to the background as we deal with the day-to-day busyness of life. We don’t forget it; we just lose ourselves in something less magical. Now, as I find myself getting older, and hopefully wiser, I realize that while I may not be able to change the world, I can surely change my little corner of it.

I can work from my own grown-up Christmas list. I can offer a hand instead of a pointing finger. I can create harmony rather than discord. I can make sure that when I speak, love is louder than hate. And therein lies the magic.

Patti Dobson writes about faith for The Eastern New Mexico News and Quay County Sun. Contact her at:

[email protected]