Shout it from the rooftops, if Santa Claus, can move over just a little, that peace and joy, message of hope during the Christmas season, begins with each one of us. It is up to us to begin with and be reflective of peace and joy, and not wait for someone else to bestow it upon us. That is the essence of the Christmas message. Easier said than done, yes, however, we observe too many cases in our communities and likely even more in our National landscape where we see the message does not resonate, or, in which cases individuals block out the message as irrelevant, or, as blockage to their mindset of personal gain as a priority. That’s where the Grinch’s conversion is important and can be achieved. If only those blinded by their self-interests could see the error of their ways.
• One such seemingly small, however magnanimous gesture in Geneva was uncovered by Al Benson, who has a knack for uncovering nuggets to submit to The Voice, in addition to timely photos we appreciate receiving.
In spite of the importance of the message behind community members in Geneva, the pages this week found many other important items. So here is the information submitted by Mr. Benson:
“In a Facebook post Monday Phillip Hass of Geneva said he and neighbors decorated their mailboxes to salute their U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, Debbie, on her upcoming retirement this week after delivering their mail for 20 years.
“Hass wrote, ‘Our mail carrier for almost 20 years is retiring at the end of this week, so some neighbors organized a little tribute to her where many of us decorated our mailboxes today. Here is the result (photos posed for viewing).
“‘Debbie, you always greeted us with a warm smile, friendly wave, or took a few moments to chat with us. We shared stories and in the process, we grew to know a little bit about you. Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes for you and your family in the future.
“‘You took such good care of all of us and you will be missed.’”
What a wonderful tribute that grateful neighbors offered in thanks, however, did not have to so it. A little bit of appreciation goes a long way. It does put extra pressure on the next person who will deliver the route vacated by Debbie.
• Going the extra mile is something Batavia’s 2020 Citizen of the Year, Robert “Bob” Hansen, was known for doing: The little things which make a difference.
• Recycle and reuse Christmas trees is the objective in Aurora, according to the city of Aurora government: Beginning Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, real Christmas trees will be picked up for free during the weekly collection day through January 15, 2021. Trees must be free of stands, plastic, decorations, plastic bags.
Clear and Concise, Week 52:
• The goal is to pursue peace and joy into and through the New Year. It can be done, pure and simple, however, it takes dedication, and a joyful approach to society’s foibles and failures.