Keeping the holidays positive
Damon Leiss, Special to The Gazette
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Damon Leiss
occupation:
Instructor in the department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation for Emporia State.
age: 47
All I want for Christmas is: Time with my family.
’Tis the season, right? By now you have driven around and seen the beautiful lights and heard the holiday music.
It all started around Halloween — now that is scary. Why so early? Jodie and I had this discussion recently about why such a rush to the holidays? Jodie and I came to this conclusion — society is just plain tired of all the (pardon my Californian roots here) bad vibes.
How about that economy? Believe me with all the cuts going around and all the doom and gloom, someone pointed out to me that my “tentative spring schedule” was in my box, and I asked what color is it? I heard someone say 2012 is an important year; yeah, it is important, I turn 50. AHHHHH, and I just found out I have to do yet another revision on my dissertation — probably be done in 2012. And doggone it, the Chiefs are still not winning. What can I say? And I am positive you have your list as well. All that stuff creates bad vibes.
Our theory is, all this bad karma (sorry, remember I am from California) has created a need to rush into the holidays so we can feel good. Listen, there’s nothing like a little Bing Crosby telling me about how he is dreaming of a “White Christmas.” He’s been telling me for weeks now, however, and if he keeps telling me about his dream, it will turn into my nightmare.
Oops. I blew it again, I need to stay positive. You all are wondering where I just went (no, not to California). Let me let you in on my mind. It is all about encouragement, positive encouragement at that. You see, complaining about Bing is not encouraging in a positive way.
Here is what I mean: While reading my Bible (yes, I really read my Bible, and it was a day other then Sunday in church), I came across a verse, and I posted it in my office and on my door. It is Ephesians 4:29 and it reads, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
So, you all know over time the warm fuzzy feeling about the upcoming holiday season, if it hasn’t already, will run out and turn ugly — and Bing Crosby is not ugly. And neither is a white Christmas as long as it is gone the next day. But if the white isn’t gone the next day and you get a pink bunny suit for Christmas — then what?
I will tell you what — Ephesians, baby. Build others up. When is the last time you said something nice to someone?
When you received the gift of encouragement, how did it make you feel? Did you feel empowered? Motivated? Did it build your courage? Did it give you hope?
A gift of positive encouragement can come in several different forms — positive words telling you to keep moving or you can do it when you’re down or troubled, a compliment or even a simple gesture. Encouragement is a way of helping someone cope with stressful times; it helps pick someone up and is a tool you can use to make it through and reach your goal. I have been fortunate to have family and friends encourage me in times of need, and it reminds me to help others out.
Bottom line, encouragement is the fuel that keeps us going. Guess what — you have this gift to give. Believe me, what you say influences others because we all need love.
That is what encouragement is, and who showed us the most love? Here’s your clue: His birthday is coming up. That’s right, Jesus Christ. In John 13:34 Jesus says “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Think about it. Here in a week or so we celebrate this gift given to us. Some of us share this gift, some of us don’t, but this I know for sure — no matter where you stand or what you stand for, we can all give the gift of encouragement.
Merry Christmas everyone and have a happy and safe holiday season.
Shape Up, Emporia! is a weekly fitness and health column aimed at readers of all ages to get off the couch and get into shape. Each week will feature a fitness, health or nutrition professional from around the area who will share some friendly tips on how to improve your overall health. Our goal is to make getting in shape fun and easy to fit into your existing lifestyle and daily routine.
emporialifer (anonymous) says...
Thank you Damon!
What a great encouraging article! Also a great reminder for the true reason for the season.
December 15, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
this is good
December 15, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
"While reading my Bible (yes, I really read my Bible, and it was a day other then Sunday in church), I came across a verse, and I posted it in my office and on my door."
Ummm...don't you work for the State? Are students subjected to these sermons you post in your office? Are my taxes paying your salary so you can spread the alleged “word of Christ” to these kids? I don't really want you preaching your religion to my kid when he's paying to be taught about health and physical education. Stick to the facts, please. Also, were the paper and ink that you used to print those signs you put up all over your office bought with state money? If so, that's a whole 'nother issue about government waste...
State workers represent citizens of ALL beliefs. Why do so many State employees insist on bringing their religious beliefs into their job duties? If people of ALL beliefs must pay state taxes, do you really think a state employee should be an open advocate of a particular religion? It seems to me that state workers should recognize this potential conflict and leave their personal beliefs at home.
If you are a political figure, you shouldn’t make decisions that affect ALL citizens based on what YOUR religion dictates. If you are an employee at a state institution (like ESU) you should recognize that the people paying your salary (students and taxpayers) don’t always agree with your personal beliefs. To serve the citizens of our state in a fair and just manner, you need to leave your religious beliefs at home.
I don’t care that you wrote this article for the paper. In fact, I think it’s a good message. I just don’t think you should be flaunting your religious views at work. If you want to do stuff like that at work, please find a job in the private sector so I actually have a choice as to whether I want to pay your salary or not. For instance, many people might like your religion-laced commentary in their local paper. If so, they can continue to buy the paper. If it bothers me that much, I can cancel and get my news elsewhere. If you are preaching like this at work, however, my tax money is going to you whether I like it or not. What do I want for Christmas? The separation of church and state. That’s what.
Well, I’ve finished my little tirade now, so all that’s left to say is, “I hope you have a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!”
‘enry
December 15, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Well you can always count on Hank!
Merry CHRISTMAS Hank and a prosperous New Year to you and yours.
December 15, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Thanks for the well wishes, Steve!
'enry
December 15, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )