Tidings of Comfort and Joy

 

T his week, the entire Northwind family celebrated Christmas with a dinner in downtown Indianapolis. We had much to celebrate:  a great year, new and veteran team members, wonderful memories inside and outside of the office, the many blessings in our lives, and the many possibilities ahead in 2017. It was an evening of big smiles, hearty laughter, and camaraderie that left me feeling quite content…and incredibly optimistic for the future.

At one point during the evening, I shared a few remarks about the year and our team.  Gratitude and joy were upon me as I made eye contact with every person in the room. Each of their contributions, personalities, and gifts lit up my heart and the words came easily – their successes individually and as a team were on full display. My message: thank you. Thank you for your hard work, thank you for your loyalty, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your journey, thank you for being the best version of yourself.

At the closing of the calendar year, December brings such a mix of emotions. It is the natural end to so many cycles within our lives: financial, education, political, and work. The Holidays bring cause to celebrate and add their own unique flavor to this closing season. The joy and sadness of togetherness, loss, and longing converge into a few weeks, leaving us breathless, spent, and, quite surprisingly, motivated to walk into the new year. The season is complex, moving, and powerful.

As I consider these elements, I write with tidings of comfort and joy. Perhaps the world in which we live holds enough light, love, and affection to offset the darker tendencies which tend to consume our attention. Maybe the differences that separate us are not so vast and the humanity that binds us is stronger than we know. It might just be possible that we are mostly good, and though flawed, doing our best to make a difference in the world around us. When I look at our team at Northwind, the customers we serve, and all of the people who are the ultimate recipients of our products and services, I remain bullish on the goodness within each of us and the possibility we all hold together.

This season, be a bit more intentional in your efforts to see the goodness within every person you encounter. Annoying drivers, maddening shoppers, frustrating family members, tedious teachers, angry customers, and the hosts of humanity you experience at every turn. These people are doing their best to find a way and each has a story. Look for the humanity within each of them and it might just spark yours. We have much for which to be grateful and this season gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate it in so many ways.

Forgive yourself, and others, for the failings that accompany us as imperfect creatures. Then look for the common ground and the goodness that bring us together. Within, I think you will clearly see these tidings of comfort and joy. Wishing you and yours the Happiest of Holidays and a very Merry Christmas!