What do You Believe in This Holiday Season?
I had three things to accomplish at 11:00 yesterday.
One was to show up with my violin – “Old Blackie” – and play a song for the children in my pen pal class. I had practiced for awhile the night before. After all, it had been 35 years since I played and I was a “bit” rusty.
The students heard me read the story about “Old Blackie” from my book of short stories last time I was there reading to them. In a weak moment I agreed to bring it with me and play next time.
When I peeked in the window to the classroom and opened the door gently, they all said with excited little voices – “OLD BLAAAAAAAAAAAACKIE!”
I went to my usual rocking chair location, sat down carefully and opened the casket shaped case. We talked about the old box for a minute, looked inside its worn interior, and I prepared to play as I tightened the bow and gave it a few brushes with the rosin.
I actually made it through “Jingle Bells” without many squeaks. I mean, after all, 35 years is a long time not to play. They clapped as though I was a famous musician and I played another round – this time with them all singing.
In their eyes, I am famous.
You see, they believed in me and I could tell.
My other goals were to read a story and to share a little holiday treat with them that was part of my Christmas traditions and heritage.
Their goal was to share – in groups – their holiday traditions stories from around the world with me. We all listened to each child read and clapped after each presentation.
So what do you believe in during this holiday season?
Some believe in Santa. Others do not. Some believe in Christmas. Some do not. Regardless, most of us believe in something.
Before I went to the class I carefully selected a Christmas card with Santa holding a bag of gifts in front of him. I explained to the boys and girls that Santa was part of my family Christmas tradition and that each one had a card with a note in it I had written last night.
Of all the things I could think to write, one statement kept popping into my mind as I began to pen a few words that evening on individualized cards.
“I believe in you.”
Something as simple as that statement has a powerful impact on folks. While each child in the room comes from a different experience, they all need someone to believe in them. Let’s hope their families do a good job at that and encourage them daily. We know, all too often, that some families have issues so great they are unable or unwilling to make sure they show how much they believe in their children. Sometimes it’s the last thing a parent has on his or her mind. Until we walk in their shoes we can only imagine how hard it is for some.
I thought of each individual personality in that classroom and remembered their smiles and comments from visits before. I know each one is capable of many remarkable things in their lifetime. I’m so glad to be a part of it this year.
I thought the best gift I could give them was to say “I believe in you.”
My wish for you today and during this holiday season is that you are surrounded by people who believe in you. I also hope you are a constant encourager of little people and that you help them bring out the best they have to offer. We all need someone to believe in us unconditionally. Find that in your life and embrace it while you offer it to others you care about.
~Joellen