I HAVE heard it often said that we are not to plan too much for tomorrow because tomorrow will take care of itself.
It makes sense. If we overthink about tomorrow, we get anxious.
“That is true, Obz. I’ve read somewhere that many of the things we fear to happen will not happen,” my Aunt Tita Blitte said.
I have to believe her. She has seen more moons and suns than I have. She has prayed a lot and many of her prayers have been answered. And she has weathered so many storms in life that our family calls her The Ultimate Survivor.
Tita Blitte is cheerful even when her arthritis tortures her or when her weak heart gives her a cough. “My cardio said my heart and lungs have an affair,” my aunt said, making light of her condition.
That is another thing about my aunt. She has a sense of humor, and uses it to cope with life. That’s not the whole thing about her, but this woman is a bundle of optimism, joy, nurturing spirit and love.
It was this aunt of mine who suggested I write about preparing a plan for Christmas. “But it’s too early, Tita,” I protested.
“Well, tomorrow will indeed take care of itself but it’s still good to have a plan and then ask God to help you with your plan and bless it,” she said. My aunt, if I forgot to mention this, is a devoted woman of prayer. She hears mass whenever she can, but Sunday is special to her.
Since I like good ideas when I hear one, I thought of sharing one plan you can make now. Here it is.
Get a good old notebook and divide the page into four. You can do this digitally, dude, but paper to some people is still more reliable than a computer that can catch a virus.
“Uncle, someone can tear off the page and throw it out,” said my smart-A nephew Pannon. I will disregard that valid comment and just get on to the topic.
Into each section, write categories like “officemates” and under this, make two sections: Support Group like IT department, utility workers, security guards, messengers and so on. The other section is Office Friends for people you work with who have become close to you.
Another category is Friends (not from the office). You can divide this into your friends, obviously, and support group like housemaids, house drivers and the like.
A third category can be allotted to your family. And the last category can be devoted to your church, favorite charity and a school’s feeding project.
Though Christmas is still several weeks away, it’s good to start thinking outside of ourselves and start thinking of others. I hope this plan idea gets you excited about Christmas. May it bring you to realize that giving is the best part of this wonderful holiday.