I remember an old friend who had a wonderful after-Christmas tradition. Every year, before the Christmas tree was unceremoniously undecorated, he’d spend a few hours sitting by the lit tree reflecting upon his life.
During this quiet time of reflection, he’d consider all the people who’d passed through his life…all the individuals who’d had a positive impact upon him. Then, each year, he’d select one of those persons to whom he’d write a letter of gratitude.
Several times he wrote to different school teachers, at one time to a Boy Scout leader, at still another time to a basketball teammate from high school. Once he wrote to a former employer who’d overlooked several flaws, and offered him a second chance.
Four years ago he wrote to me. He mentioned several conversations we’d had many years ago. He thanked me for things I’d said…things I don’t remember saying…things I probably didn’t really say…but things he somehow attributed to me nonetheless.
No one could ever know how much his note of friendship and appreciation meant to me. His words were a lifeline to a drowning man.
I thought about him tonight. I wondered if tonight is the night he’ll be basking in the Christmas tree lights. I wondered which friend he’ll select this year…who will be the fortunate recipient of his gratitude. Yes, I thought about him tonight…and about the impact his after-Christmas tradition had upon me several years back.
Our Christmas tree is still up…so I still have time to adopt his tradition as my own. If your tree is still decorated, maybe you’d care to join him too.
