My original intention prior to starting to write this article was to speak about various issues on certain sports and the current news items coming from their communications departments. But because of my hesitance to begin the paperwork, my mind strayed onto the most essential thought of what transpires on the days leading up to Christmas. If I wish to sincerely send my friends and readers a Merry Christmas, then I just cannot deal with sport in its present form. The alternative was not difficult and if I can have the attention of my people for even the length of time it will take to read this article, then I will go in the direction of speaking candidly to the parents of children whose future need to be uppermost in our minds. Having had a satisfying and positively spiritual life so far, challenges included, it is easy to recognise the drastic changes which modern day living in T&T have brought before today's youth as a replacement, which is actually very scary.
Now we have to sit and carefully plan a course for our children and grandchildren, one which is more complex than the path we were graciously given by our own parents. To begin the process is more like asking them to be adults before they even reach the required age. But, like most solutions to even the most complex problems, we can start from the very beginning by just simply showering love on our families, almost in similar fashion to the principles which were clearly demonstrated to us by the man whose birthday we are all allowed to celebrate on December 25. The true saying of the old folks remains embedded in my mind, Jesus lived his life as an example to those who understood the reasons for his every step. Like all of us, he had his trials and tribulations, his moments of joy, and in the ultimate circumstance, he loved us all unconditionally. Therein lies the message which I would like to portray to all my friends and family during this time of year. Sometimes we tend to miss the picture and replace it with irrevelance, sometimes described as having a wonderful Christmas.
What about a "prayerful" week leading up to the great day, and hopefully making the practice a permanent one. Would it not leave our minds and those of our neighbours with a more contented Yuletide season? I do not know of anyone who wants to be frustrated by violence, dishonest behaviour and corruption (same definition), hate, envy, and jealousy. And, because I wish to send to all this type of message in replacement of issues like the litany of woes in West Indies cricket, the loss of organised direction in our football, and the complete lack of preparedness which is eroding the natural talent which our young ones possess at the secondary schools level, I am giving way to what I humbly wish for all the readers of this newspaper. Never mind the negative productions which adorn the front pages of our newspaper. Try to focus upon the love, guidance and protection which we must give to those we love and even those who do not know we exist. Life in a commercial context is painful. Give a try to the spiritual values and you are guaranteed to have a most wonderful, happy, and holy Christmas. May god bless us all.