It is time to light a candle and recognize the good that surrounds us. Yes, even in the darkest of nights, goodness burns bright. And you are part of that goodness.
It’s time to love on each other – those we know well and those we don’t know. Generate love in your heart and let it radiate out towards others. Know that the love of countless others has been showered on you for a lifetime, whether you know it or not. Love is that spirit that lifts us up and makes a way when we believe there is no way. The love and light that others believe in benefit all of us. And we benefit others; we are a blessing whether we know it or not.
Here’s to those who cook a meal for a sick neighbor and those who help prepare meals for the hungry, who wait in line for both a holiday meal and a kind word. Here’s to those who work to keep the planet healthy, those who heal the sick, those who preach, and those who teach. Here’s to our firefighters and 911 operators, those who handle baggage at the airport, and those who help us – individually and collectively – deal with our “baggage.” We generate love towards those we agree with and those we disagree with.
We embrace Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanza celebrations as we celebrate you – our readers. We reflect on the meaning of Christmas – God sent his son Jesus to be with us, to comfort us, to bring peace and goodwill. We reflect on Chanukah, the festival of lights, as we celebrate freedom from oppression and freedom of religious expression, rededicating ourselves, and remembering there is more available to us than we might believe. And on December 26th we come together to celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These celebrate African principles that can guide all of us as we reflect on the year-end and prepare for what lies ahead: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Throughout the year we are fortunate to work with people from across the country who express these sentiments on a daily basis. They bring the spirit of the holiday season to life through service, science, hard work, strategy, kindness, and consistency. These are the people who work at and volunteer with nonprofits. These people are you – you who give your time, money, wisdom, open hearts, and smarts. You bring the holiday spirit to life across denominations, race, ethnicity, country of origin, gender, and gender identity. Your spirit and belief in the goodness that we can extend to each other burns bright. And like the oil the Hebrews found at the temple, it will burn longer than we can imagine. We have the gifts of love and light. Let your light shine – we need the warmth of your spirit!
© Mel and Pearl Shaw, authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” We provide fundraising counsel to higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Video conferencing always available. Visit www.saadandshaw.com.
