John Sheda.

The other day I was a-thinking. Yea, I do think every now and then but not too darn much so as to get a headache. But I was thinking, (money being no object), what would I give all of you for Christmas if I could. New cars for everyone came to mind; huge raises for all; the Christmas lights all working the very first time; the reason why someone invented “ye olde fruitcake.” Although, come to think of it, there have always been some fruitcakes in Chelsea. And some of their last names were Sheda!! But I regress. After careful thought and serious deliberation, here are ten gifts I would give…….IF I COULD!!

The gift of APPRECIATION. We all should appreciate what we have just a little more, don’t you think?

The gift of GENEROSITY. There is a powerful underlying theme from the “good book,” and that is from the gospel of St. Luke, chapter 6, verse 38. Nope, you gotta look it up yourself!!

The gift of ENCOURAGEMENT: Every now and then, we all can use a little boost. I love your phone call every now and then saying that you enjoyed a certain column. Makes my day!!

The gift of HOPE. When one loses hope, life ceases to be fun. In 2017, take a chance and hope it’s gonna be a great year. It just may well be.

The gift of PRAYER. I don’t think I’ve ever been turned down when I’ve asked someone if I could pray for or with them. We all need a little help from above, don’t we?

The gift of OPTIMISM. Ah, the twin brother of HOPE. Forget the “half-full glass” thinking. An optimist always sees the way things could be and then tries to make it a reality.

The gift of FORGIVENESS & APOLOGY. I don’t exactly know how one really does this, but just forgive and let it go. And don’t be too &%^$%^%$ to say “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”

The gift of HUMOR. Enjoy life and laugh, laugh and laugh some more. Oh and by the way…..laugh at yourself. Everyone else is!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.

The gift of TIME. Remember the greatest and most important things in life, ARE NOT THINGS. Every year we lose loved ones. Now is the time to spend precious time with them.

The gift of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE. That “turn the other cheek” thing Jesus talks about is really powerful. It comes from simple unconditional love.

With that Deb and I wish all our Tama-Toledo News Chronicle readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.