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Crossroads of the Marine Corps

The season for giving

21 Dec 2015 | Chaplain Ron Nordan; CDR, CHC, USN - M&RA/Family Programs Chaplain Marine Corps Base Quantico

As most of you are aware, we are in the midst of the business of the holiday season, which actually began right after Halloween. The coming days will likely be filled with holiday parties and gatherings, numerous shopping trips to find that special gift for a long list of people, travel to spend time with family and a few days off for both Christmas and New Year’s. While this is supposed to be the time of “peace on earth, good will toward men,”just a short drive to a local shopping mall will challenge that assertion. On an even larger scale, the goings-on in our world at large gives us cause for concern. With everything that is going on around us, it is very easy to get lost in the craziness and lose sight of the fact that this is a season for giving.

I have heard it said that the best gifts are those that you give away and not necessarily receive yourself. While that goes against the mindset of the world, there is still a great deal of truth in this simple fact. Let me challenge you to make a concentrated effort to give of yourself for the benefit of others. There are so many ways that you can actually accomplish this task. From volunteering at various local support agencies or donating to causes that help those who are truly in need, the possibilities are limitless. Another often overlooked way to accomplish this purpose is to set aside quality time to spend with those who mean the most to us.

There are many things that money can buy, but the most valuable commodity that cannot be purchased is time. Many kids prefer to spend quality time with their parents as opposed to receiving all sorts of cool gifts. The same can be said for the senior adult, whose years have increased, but whose quality of life has diminished. While traditional gifts may provide a momentary lift to the recipient, that feeling soon fades. What really matters is the time we spend with people. So as you move through this season of giving, challenge yourself to make a difference and bless others through your time spent with them. You will be happy you did.


Marine Corps Base Quantico