I’m sometimes surprised with the somewhat Scrooge-ish attitudes of people during the Advent Season. They complain about the huge crowds when they shop, they aren’t happy if it doesn’t snow, they don’t like what someone gave them, they’re upset if they don’t get invited to a party – or they’re upset if they do. I’m sure you know what I mean. Unfortunately those people don’t feel grateful that they have a job and enough money to go shopping or that someone cares enough about them to give them a gift or invite them to a party. They seem to need to complain rather than rejoice about the gifts they have.

This week I heard from my friend Faithe who lives in London and has battled Multiple Sclerosis for more than 30 years. She has never complained or been angry that she has the disease. In fact, she says, ‘Why shouldn’t I have it?’ Long ago she decided the MS was an opportunity to learn firsthand how disabled people feel. Over the years Faithe has lost a great deal of mobility because chronic-progressive MS moves on relentlessly. When a neighbor recently invited her and her husband Jud to a party, she thought how difficult it would be to attend. But then she realized that wasn’t a positive way to approach life; it would be a sure way to be excluded in the future. So she went – and enjoyed herself.

I love Faithe’s ‘recipe’ for coping with her illness: 1) patting herself on the back when she accomplishes something difficult; 2) enjoying and appreciating the present moment as much as possible; 3) knowing her limits and doing what she can; 4) choosing to be active, not isolated; 5) asking for help and not feeling sorry for herself; 6) not giving up; 7) and being grateful.

The things that have sustained Faithe the most are what she enjoys: her garden, birds, the natural world, companionship. As the MS progresses, Faithe has remained positive. She strongly recommends that long before someone is diagnosed with a serious illness that they do the things they enjoy and not put them off. ‘Life is very short,’ she says ‘so just get on with it and be grateful.’

Although there are times when Faithe feels down, she refuses to stay down. She takes a deep breath and enumerates all the things she has to be thankful for – she says she has a lot. So when we feel Scrooge-ish, maybe we can take a deep breath, be thankful, and rejoice in this special Advent Season.

Wonderful Counselor, we rejoice that you are our God, that you have given us the Christ who came to dwell among us and who shows us a way to live. When we are complaining or acting Scrooge-ish, remind us of everything we have to be grateful for – a lot. May we rejoice that you are Emmanuel, God within us. Amen.

Joy Carol

www.joycarol.com