"Many years ago I sent an old,
beloved jacket to a cleaner, the Sycamore Cleaners. It was a leather jacket covered in Guiness and blood
and marmalade, one of those jobs...and it came
back with a little note pinned to it, and on the note it said, 'It distresses us
to return work which is not perfect.'
So that will do for me. That can go on my tombstone."
In the weeks leading up to
Christmas, I noticed many posts and re-posts on Facebook or blogs concerning the “true meaning of
Christmas.” Among the messages were those actions and sentiments we most often
associate with this time of year: deeds of great kindness; declarations and
demonstrations of love for friends and family; extreme generosity to those in
need.
Those expressions are indeed heartwarming and
inspiring and should be shared, especially during a season when we desire to
focus on what is best in mankind. But as I read that quote, I realized
that even the best of mankind will
never be perfect as long as we are on this earth. None of us will exit this life with a perfect body. Diseases,
injuries, or old age will ravage our physical forms. Neither will we leave with
a perfect record. No matter how hard we try, hurtful words, unkind acts, selfishness,
and neglect will earn us a “Needs Improvement” on our earthly report cards. But
unlike the conscientious folks at the Sycamore Cleaners, we needn’t be
distressed. God knew humans would never be able to perfect their lives on
Earth, so approximately 2000 years ago, He came to us in the form of a baby.
That baby showed us what perfection is. And thirty-three years later, that baby
made the supreme sacrifice so that we can
return to our Maker as a perfect work.
For me, that’s the true meaning of
Christmas.
Wishing You Peace, Love, and Happiness this Christmas and in the New Year!
Well said, my friend. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dee Dee, for succinctly summarizing the heart of Christmas. Hope your holiday season and the new year are full of happy blessings!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this quote and post Dee Dee! Thanks for capturing the essence of Christmas
ReplyDelete