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In the spirit of the seasonEditor's note: Kelli Loos, Trent's wife, writes this week's Loos Tales column. The holidays are approaching as fast and furious as they have in years past. There always seems to be so many great things to get finished before the bewitching hour and there never seems to be quite enough hours in the day. While our kids are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the jolly old elf, maybe we should consider how we can add real meaning to the season and perhaps change the world we live in. While the true meaning of Christmas certainly is found in the birth of Jesus in a humble stable several thousand years ago, the symbolic measure of gift giving was also apparent at that time. And what of the gifts that were given--some were extravagant and valuable but others were simple and meaningful. So, perhaps the most important gifts we can give this holiday season are those that rely more on values than value. It has been hard not to think about the many people who won't have such a joyous Christmas this year. Of course, there are the families affected by the recent shootings in Omaha and Colorado. There are friends and families in our communities who will be spending their first Christmas without a cherished loved one. And we are reminded daily of the many families of military members who won't be home to share in the joy and excitement of the season. Our prayers for strength and comfort and our best wishes go out to all of these people, in what will certainly be a difficult time. Undoubtedly, there are others who need our support at this time, as well. There are many great organizations and groups that work to make sure that the homeless get a hot meal, underprivileged children find toys under their tree and warm clothing for winter and food pantries have enough to share with those in need. Blood drives are in full swing and the malls are hosting food, mitten and coat drives to benefit those in need. While it is easy to get lost in the cookie baking, the holiday music programs, the decorations, the tree and stockings, the present seeking, hiding and wrapping and all of the other joyous traditions we have developed through the years, we do need to keep that giving spirit in our minds--and that has nothing to do with "giving" an iPod to every kid in the house. The giving spirit is one of the most important traditions we can pass on to our children--the spirit of the shepherd who had nothing more than a lamb to give to the King. What shall our lamb be? It is those little things that come from the heart, maybe even those done without another's knowledge that can help someone else have a more enjoyable holiday season. Every little good deed may turn out to have far more meaning than we ever envisioned. Maybe some of the tragedies in our world could have been averted, if one more person had carried out more acts of kindness. There is a saying that I came across that I really think fits well with this season of giving: "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." There are shelters and soup kitchens that need more servers. There are people that need rides to church or the store; there are kids who won't get a gift and there are people who will be alone, while we are celebrating with our families. Reach out in some small way and make the holiday special for even one stranger and your heart will be rewarded. For every crabby cashier and every pushy customer and every rude service person, make it your personal mission to help them have a better day. Like my two-year old sitting in the cart in the long customer service line singing, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands." Before long, everybody within earshot had a smile on their face and the lady behind us commented that, "She is exactly what we need this time of year." Seek out your "pay it forward" moments in the hustle and bustle of the season, when everyone can use it the most. The joy you share will last far longer than any of the well-wrapped trinkets under the tree. And that is the true meaning of gift giving, in its most original sense. We wish you a very Merry Christmas! Editor's note: Trent Loos is a sixth generation United States farmer, host of the daily radio show, Loos Tales, and founder of Faces of Agriculture, a non-profit organization putting the human element back into the production of food. Get more information at www.FacesOfAg.com, or e-mail Trent at trent@loostales.com. 12/24/07 Date: 12/20/07
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