A Christmas wish or two

So it is  Christmas  eve already, and are  we  ready? Well  close  enough, the gifts are  wrapped and the tree is up, the food is prepped and we have so dog  cookies  to put out for  "Santa Paws "

So I guess  we are  as  ready  as  we  can  be. Ready, and  so  very  blessed . We  will  be  surrounded  by family and the comfort and  safety of  our  home and  love, not much  more  we  could ask  for is there?

Well there are one or two things I  would ask if I may be  so bold?

Let me  tell  you  first about my encounter at the gas  station today, I was in  line with so  many others  when a native  lady  stepped ahead of me,  she  said "Oh I just  went to grab  my coffee" I have to admit to being mildly irritated  that she stepped in but I thought Oh its Christmas , and smiled. She  then  turned to me and told me  she was  headed to Edmonton, because her  adopted  daughter had  passed away last  night in  a car accident,and  that she had  also just  recently  lost a beloved Uncle.

As the  words  poured out of her I was  dumbstruck! Such a  lot of  pain  for this  poor  lady and her  family. I uttered  the usual heartfelt  platitudes and tried  to keep  the tears out of  my  eyes, but really  what  words are  enough?? All she  was  buying  was a  bag of  chips and a coffee, but I finally  said, just  go , I've got this . She turned to me as though I had bought her the  world and hugged me sobbing (those  who  know me  know I never  let anyone  cry alone so you  can imagine what I did, all the  way  home).

So what am I being  so bold to ask? 

If  you have  a mind  to please  pray  for this  lady (who's name I did not get) and all of the others who are  struggling  with  loss, and fear, trying to get home,and  for those  who  will not make it home again.

And also if  you see  someone who needs a  little help, just  a smile a nod or a helping hand , remember the reason  for this season, and give them  what you can. 

I wrote  this  first  poem today, after  not writing  for a  long  time after being  so moved by this lady;

God bless the weary travellers

 We know not where they're bound

 How far they may have yet to go

 Or what trials they have found 

Offer a hand
Or share in a smile 

Something to carry them 

 Warm through the miles

 Remember their journey
Though not like your own

 Is the same in the way
We all long for our home 

 This second is one I wrote  some time ago, but also a  wish I pray  for each  year;

I will make a wish this Christmas Eve
For all to give and to receive

I promise I won't wish for very much
Just all creatures to have a loving touch

That joy and comfort and peace are shared
That shelter abounds and lives are spared

That family rejoice for loved ones come home
That no one is left afraid and alone

That no one is hungry, or out on the cold
I will wish for this, If I may be bold

It may not seem possible this gift to receive
But it can happen, I have to believe

For all to be loved, and kept warm and safe

This is what I wish, in continuing faith.

Wishing all a very Merry Christmas, wrapped in the love of family and the grace of God