Boxing Day (if you're a Brit)

Today is traditionally "Boxing Day" in Britain and Canada and perhaps other Anglophile Countries). And in the USofA, many Christmas gifts are also being re-boxed and taken back to the store of purchase (or local chain) to be exchanged for a different size, different color, or different item.

That aside, I've looked at my posts over the past year and have decided that today will be Politics Free (although you can Google up the latest if you're so inclined). I don't know about you, but I'm tired of all the sad news. I'm tired of reading about auto accidents, murders, suicides, deaths of the famous and infamous, how poorly the stock market is doing, reduced construction, foreclosures, the housing market, and on and on and on.

Why can't we have GOOD news reported once in a while? Here's my suggested list:

In the past year:

How many people did not die tragically?

How many people did not get a traffic ticket for DUI or DWI?

How many people did not get drunk and do something stupid?

How many people did not take any illicit drugs?

How many people did not go into foreclosure?

How many people did not suffer from any form of Cancer?

How many people welcomed a newborn (or adopted child) into their household?

How many people bought a new car (and can make the payments)?

How many people got married?

How many people graduated from High School and went on to College?

How many people applied for a US Passport?

How many people are working at the job they always dreamed about?

How many people volunteered at a social service agency?

How many people got a flu shot?

How many people were not rushed to the hospital or ER?

How many people applied for "green cards" to enter the USofA legally?

How many people used a computer to shop for gifts?

How many people laughed at least once a day?

How many people adopted a new pet?

How many people visited close relatives and enjoyed the visit?

How many people say prayers when they get up in the morning and when they go to sleep at night?

How many people did not say one curse word or take God's Name in vain?

How many people smiled at strangers they met?

How many people developed a new hobby?

How many people gave a hug when a hug was needed?

How many people donated money online?

How many people told or emailed a truly funny joke or story?

How many people can think of many more "good news items" to add to my list?

This is not an inclusive list, just some things off the top of my head. Please feel free to add your list to the comments section.

And today, think about all the goodness in your world and in the world at large. Yes, there are wars and genocide and hate-mongering, and political correctness gone awry. Yet, through it all, there are kind people and kind actions and thoughtfulness and love.

May the 12 Days of Christmas (through January 6, the Epiphany of our Lord) be a time of reflection upon good news in your life this past year.

God Bless!