We are awakening to the realization that the Universe is perfect and complete. It gives. It is love. It is good and wills ONLY GOOD to all alike. (Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind 465.2)

During this time of year we can be bombarded by advertisements for the “perfect gift” for that “perfect someone.” Advertisements for diamond jewelry, advertisements for automobiles, advertisements for fabulous vacations, advertisements for the latest toys all appear to guarantee us the perfect holiday for our family members, our friends, and our co-workers. I was surprised to notice this year that there are still advertisements for the “perfect” chia pet! I thought (hoped!) they had gone the way of Pet Rocks and Mood Rings.

About ten years ago, I was feeling frustrated by the fact that since I no longer lived in the community where my children and grandchildren lived, I felt out-of-touch with what each of them might consider the “perfect” gift. I called my son and suggested that since we all have plenty of what we want and need, instead of giving one another material gifts, we could donate to charities of our choice in honor of our family.

He passed the idea along to my grandchildren (each of whom was a teenager or older), and they were willing to give it a try. Building on that, last year my family gave me my most perfect gift: ten days of random acts of kindness. Each of my children and grandchildren chose a day in which they would perform a random act of kindness in honor of our family. Gifts of food, socks, dental and other hygiene products were given to homeless people, meals were bought for strangers, boxes of fresh produce were distributed to the community food pantry, toys and games were purchased and delivered to the cancer ward for children in Santa Barbara. Dozens of Subway Sandwiches were purchased and distributed to a group of homeless women in Ventura. One grandson paid for the groceries of the man in line behind him at the grocery store. When the clerk told the man his groceries had been paid for by a young stranger, he looked around and asked, “Where is the hidden camera?”

Each day I received an email describing what random act of kindness had been performed. Needless to say, each email made me very proud, and brought me to tears as I read the accounts of what each had done.

I love the Dr. Seuss story of the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville. Even though he stole every decoration, every tree, every gift, and all of the food for their Christmas feast, the people still gathered together in the Village Square and sang Christmas songs of love and gratitude. The music touched the Grinch’s too-small heart, causing it to grow to normal size, and he realized the truth of the Spirit of Christmas: “The true meaning of Christmas cannot be bought in a store.”

In each of Rev. Janis’ Sunday reminders this December, she encouraged us to remember we are the Light of the world, already perfect and complete, just as we are. That is gift enough.

    —Pat Masters