Charles Dickens

People the world over are familiar with Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. We watch the selfish behaviors of Ebenezer Scrooge and know that he is due to get his comeuppance, while we remain secure in the knowledge that on our worst day we have never been as bad as Scrooge.

And when the three Spirits of Christmas -- Past, Present, and Yet to Come -- teach him his spiritual lessons by showing him images of the choices he made along the way, we learn along with Scrooge the importance of our choices and the value of every single day, and every single living being who crosses our path or touches our lives.

What if, this year, you were to be visited by those same three Spirits? What images would you be shown from your past and in your present? What warnings of fate would your Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come reveal to you so that you could commit yourself to improving your life with a glad and grateful heart?

None of us is likely as miserly as Scrooge; Charles Dickens made certain of that when he created this memorable character. Yet each of us, more than likely, has areas in which we could improve, or one major vice we have yet to conquer in our lives. And even if we have our lives fairly well in order, most of us could stand to be a little more compassionate with the struggles of those around us.

We could be a little kinder or more considerate to our families, to people we encounter in the workplace, to strangers we meet on the street, or even other drivers on the road.

We could be a little more charitable in our donations, this year, wherever we may feel led to make a contribution.

We could be a little more gracious in extending to our fellow beings the stretched out hand of tolerance, and the boon of true forgiveness.

And we could take the time this holiday season to hold our loved ones close, and tell them once and for all how very dear they are to us -- and how much they bless our lives.

May this joyous holiday season bring the loving Spirits of Christmas to you, so that your life may be blessed and your spirit renewed. May you enjoy love and peace this season, and throughout the coming year.

by: the Positive Way