Since this blog is about everyday life then I wouldn’t be “keeping it real” if I did not talk about the historic vote last night.  First when I say historic, I mean just that…historic.  No emotion of whoo hoo or ooohhh, just exactly what it means, historic.  What was done last night has not been done in so very long, I think I heard 1943.  As I get older, I love watching history in action.  It is a humbling experience to think what we see firsthand, others will be studying for years to come.

So, what about the vote and how could this ever tie into Christmas and The Santa Club.  Well, I think it is the very essence of The Santa Club. I am sure you think I am stretching, but really let’s think about it.  The Gift of Giving and the story of Christmas are at the heart of Santa Claus.  I would like to think that most politicians are working to support our country, in the best way they are capable of, and that is giving.  They give their time, and they give of their energy.  Just like Santa…

I have been on many boards and know that working together when people have such different opinions is very hard.  We have also lived all over the country and know that because this country is so big, what is important to those in California, is not the same as Ohio.  Outside of the big issues the little issues run into play and we should never want to agree on everything because Santa Monica is not Cleveland and vice versa.  Think of it this way.  We lived in Santa Monica, CA, wonderful place, wonderful people. Santa Monica has a huge homeless population, really big.  Socially that is a big issue for them.  We have also lived in Parma, Ohio, great place, wonderful people there too.  Homelessness is not as much a social issue in Parma.

Homeless families and individuals should be all of our concerns, however, in Santa Monica it affects their budget, in Parma homelessness really isn’t a part of their budget…get the picture.  So, why can’t we see the differences at the National level and accept we are different?  If people voted because they are frustrated with the bickering in Washington, and I sure am, then really what people are saying is, give a little.  Give to each other.  Give kindness, give concern, and make your words Gifts of Giving.  Giving doesn’t have to be expensive and everyone who voted pretty much said, stop spending!

One of my favorite passages is Galatians 5:22-NIV- But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

That is what I think the vote is about and that is what The Santa Club is about.  Giving is as simple as a cheerful smile but real giving or loving others is following that passage.  No it is not easy and thank goodness I have loving family members who live this way every day and remind me to follow those words.

Now if only we could get all the politicians of every party to follow those words.  That is what I think people voted for, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control out of Washington. The love, joy, and faithfulness are also a part of it, but hey let’s start with the above and the rest will come.   Remember, this is not about a religion, it is the golden rules, it is what every mom teaches their child, and it is the essence in giving and the essence of The Santa Club. You can still be passionate, and still be strong. Please do not think the passage Galatians 5:22 waters strength and passion down.  It is just that self-control oversees the passion and strength.   “He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.” Lao Tzu

So today is a new day.  As every day goes by I have a chance to conquer myself.  I can conquer the P-90X video, the eight glasses of water goal, the healthy eating goal (don’t like that one), living the Fruit of The Spirit passage, and The Gift of Giving goals I have for today. Our country is amazing.  After living overseas and spending time in Central Asia I know that for a fact.  I am blessed to be a citizen of this great land and to watch history take place.  God Bless America and all of our elected officials.  May every one of them and you have a great Santa Club Day.

Kelly

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