Now the Work of Christmas Begins (Sarah Brandt)

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.
                        by Howard Thurman

My heart fluttered after the first time I read this. Each year, I look forward to the feelings of rebirth and renewal that accompany the Christmas season and New Year. But, as I grow older, I recognize how difficult it is to hold fast to peace. The busyness of life pulls me away from that calm and stillness. Yet, every action, if done with awareness, is a manifestation of that love and peace. Cooking a meal for a friend who is grieving. Taking time to call a family member who is alone. A smile and sincere thank you to the sales clerk. Holding the door for the one who follows you.  Small acts of kindness express love and bring peace.