Dear Honey Run Family,
The flowers and vegetation have retired to their winter slumber. The leaf covered ground has insulated itself in preparation of the coming snow and the animals have begun tapping into their storehouse of nuts to grow their coats in anticipation of the coming freeze. Honey Run is decorated with lights that glow softly against the starlit sky. The smell of fresh cut pines and warm cider envelops you as you enter your retreat home. The warmth of the fireplace radiates from the sandstone masterpiece that rises from the center of the reception area and the welcoming smiles of your friends at Honey Run standing behind the front desk are waiting to greet you.
The holiday season has arrived.
These days are filled with happiness, joy, fellowship, and excitement for the future. It is the rollercoaster of emotions that we are promised every year at this time that make December a blessing. My hope is that while some have life struggles that become more apparent during this season, we all reach out to our fellow citizens of this earth and extend a loving hand. We get caught-up in the commercialization and our list of tasks. My prayer for all of you is that you have the opportunity to slow down and be. One of my favorite quotes is that “we are human beings, not human doings”. This saying always helps me put things in perspective and reminds me that I need to focus more on living my life than rushing through it with tasks.
But before we completely vilify commercial institutions we need to heed caution. Most of what we celebrate and memorialize in our traditions during this holiday season have come from the commercial pursuits of our entrepreneurial businessmen and women in our great country. Their individual efforts to “pitch their goods” have spun together in a harmonious way, and the result is what we celebrate today. While much is secular, it is still remarkable to me that over a third of the population on earth is celebrating the birth of Jesus over two-thousand years ago. There is hope for tomorrow.
Have a Blessed Christmas and Holidays!
Sincerely,
Jason Nies