Friday, December 7, 2012

Christmas: A Warm Flicker of Joy


I'd like to share with you a warm flicker of Christmas joy that has touched me this holiday season. My son is a manager for a public accounting firm, and last year he began hosting a dinner party for the people who report to him, one that he intends to make a tradition. It was (and will continue to be, I'm sure) a resounding success, but what delights me is how the whole thing comes together in a way that epitomizes the spirit of Christmas.

The son in question has attended a church (or ward in Mormon lingo) for young single adults very like the one my husband leads. I mention this only because it is people from that congregation who volunteer their time to put on this dinner for him, not for recompense but out of friendship. They come over and decorate the place from top to bottom, prepare and cook a meal far better than any professional caterer, and then dress up like waiters to serve the guests. Even live music is provided, free of charge, by whatever musician friend is free to drop in and set the mood. Best of all, and this is the part that makes me feel the most warm and fuzzy, is the fact that Ryan takes a page from our family Christmas Eve book and creates a "circle time" of sorts. Last year the theme had to do with reaping what you sow, and this year it's something about being a compass for others and always pointing true north. He reads or makes up a story, gives a little token as a reminder (this year he bought inexpensive compasses for everyone), and apparently waxes inspirational enough that his guests last year were visibly moved. One even commented that the group "had a moment."

I think more of our young people (especially those caught up in career, career, career, and the odd night of clubbing) need to "have a moment," and I'm happy my son cares enough to give them one. His borrowing a tradition from our family as the vehicle for that effort moves me on many levels. First, it lets me know that the foundation we tried to give our children over the years works for him and that he values it enough to share it with others. Secondly, it tells me that Ryan understands the power of belonging to a group and working together to reach goals and support one another. (This would give any mother a warm glow, right?) Finally, he has figured out how to promote unity and ethical behavior in a spirit of fun and good feeling that translates to the work place. Talking with him about his upcoming plans, I can feel the joy he takes in providing this experience to the young people he supervises.

Forgive me for what can only be described as bragging, but I am one proud mom!

"A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

Shine on, Ry!
Hope it goes GREAT this weekend.

for more C posts, click below

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Brag all you want! He gets his talent from you. I'm inspired by you guys!

Terra said...

I agree, brag on Sue. This is a wonderful story and does epitomize the christmas joy and spread the love. Thanks for sharing

Brian Miller said...

ah its ok to be a proud mom...in this circumstance....and i agree we need to be part of a group and care for one another...i miss that honestly...we used to have that at our church but its really struggling right now being pulled in too many directions...

Unknown said...

I don't blame you for bragging! That's a lovely tradition he has started.

Unknown said...

Brag away. He is someone to be proud of.

Stacy said...

I love that he can share a moment. What a great light he has.

karen said...

I love that Ryan did that! I think your circle time is such a lovely tradition - one that I wish my family had had over the years, because then I would have started it with my own children. I'll have to try to think of something we can all share long distance. But I've been trying to be more open and vocal about things of the spirit with friends and family. So far, so good. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Grandma Honey said...

This is what it's all about. He is on his way to passing the torch of what he learned at home. You have every right to feel proud.

As I was reading your story and thinking about your son's creativity, I couldn't help but think he got his talent from you.

Darlene said...

Yes, I am one proud Grandma. You have to know that it DOES give me a warm glow to know the Ryan understands the power of belonging to a group that works together to reach goals and support each other. He has grown up with a great teacher, his mother.

I'm certain that everyone that attends that dinner is impressed. It impresses me that his friends from his singles ward are so willing to work like they do to put this whole thing together. Talk about working as a group!! What a good example this is.

Splendid Little Stars said...

oh no, not bragging! This is truly inspirational! How absolutely wonderful, Sue,--on so many levels. Thanks for sharing!

Caroline said...

Brag on, Sue! You should be a proud mom! I actually don't even see this as any sort of bragging--but as giving everyone inspiration.

I admire you and your family so much.

:)

LeAnn said...

You should be a proud Mom on this one. He apparently takes after you also in the writing or story telling. Loved that part of your thoughts. We have a grand daughter who is 21 years old that just moved in with us while she gets going with her life. She has not been active for a couple of years but is trying to come back. She has already been to two Young Single adult activities so I am very encouraged. I have loved reading about the activities that you have had in your Young Single Adult ward.
Blessings and hugs to you and keep on enjoying the precious moments of Christmas.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Sue this is not bragging it is sharing with us how proud you are of your son and as you should be.
I love reading about young adults like your son.
Gives me renewed hope for future generations.
You and his precious grandma were his compass.
Love
Maggie

Jenny said...

And proud you should be.

He is a beacon in a world of flickering darkness Sue.

Your heart must burst with pride in his desire to make a difference.

This post actually made me teary eyed.

God Bless your son!

Hugs and A+