Dear fantastic NHS workers,
As another extraordinary year closes I wanted to say thank you to you all for the amazing work you accomplish and achieve despite the continuing horrors of the pandemic.
From my point of view, I receive excellent care, compassion and treatment from a variety of teams in various specialities. Haematology is the rock on which everything else flows from. Not only do I want to say thank you but so do my partner, daughter, sisters, grandchildren. They are all very grateful for what you do that keeps me in the midst of them.
Christmas generally gives us all a chance to just be still and breathe. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, do take that time to be aware. I always say to my children and grandchildren that love is what’s with you in the room at Christmas if you just stop opening your presents and listen.
As a previous hospital chaplain I am totally committed to the philosophy of good quality spiritual care for people of all faiths and none. It is with that ethos in mind that I send you this Christmas reading. It’s based on a Bible reading that is often used for weddings but it’s been altered to be about Christmas. I’ve then edited it. I hope you enjoy the sentiments in it.
Merry Christmas everyone and here’s to a new year that gives us all back our freedom
Take care and stay safe,
Kes
1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style
©By Sharon Jaynes Edited by Kes
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely tartan bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny baubles, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas treats, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table, but do not show love to my family – I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, sing carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family – it profits me nothing.
If I hang on the tree shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of Christmas parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the partner.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of your way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break; jewellery will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.
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