Consider the gift of presence

 

Hello Monitor readers, 

It’s a bright New Year! Although, 2024 ended and 2025 started on sorrowful events and grieving passings, every New Year offers the shining lights of New Year’s babies and new hopeful possibilities and self-discoveries. I am still working through drying my eyes from the recent tragedies, both natural losses and human-made losses. In times like these, I believe it is our faith that gives us strength and courage to mend and with time to restore our broken hearts. The late-former President Jimmy Carter left us lots of great lessons and excellent visions for a better and re-energizing world. Among the gifts he modeled for us were tolerance for disagreements, respect for Mother Earth and climate shifting, the awesome power of humility, caring and building for people in need of housing, being a global citizen – and the list could go on. However, the greatest examples he set for me are stand and speak for truth and justice regardless if it’s popular or not; to be guided and act with love, particularly in work and play; and to use our muscles daily to exercise and practice the forces of empathy and forgiveness. Most of us will not have a century to experience the challenges, opportunities, and successes that turned and transformed a peanut farmer into a wonderful president for the American people and Best Friend to Countries Around the World. I can rejoice and believe that he is resting in peace with his dear beloved Rosalynn. Their synergy and life-companionship model will continue to inspire me to look on the bright side of life and stay optimistic!

And, now, a piece I had wanted to share two months ago from a returning guest-friend, Princess Titus.

 

During this season, we’re often reminded to spend our time, resources, and money as a way to show love to the people in our lives. Take a moment and reflect on how nature, at this time of year, seems to be dying or in a state of being dormant. The trees shed their leaves, animals hibernate, and the earth pauses – allowing space for renewal, growth, and rest to prepare for its evolution. It’s a season of quiet transformation. Yet, during this time, we do the opposite. We rush. We buy. We give in to the pressure of ‘not enough’ and endless desire for more. This often leads to stress, overconsumption, and even conflict.

It’s strange to think that just after a day meant for giving thanks, we dive headfirst into a frenzy of acquisition, trying to fill our hearts and homes with things, as though that will make us feel valued and appreciated. And when it doesn’t work, when we fail to feel fulfilled, that’s when the real gift often comes from the simplest source: the hug of a child.

A child’s embrace can remind us of something incredibly important – our own wellness matters. Taking time for ourselves, giving ourselves the care and attention we need, is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer – not only to ourselves but to the ones we love. Just as children need our presence, our attention, and our touch, so do we.

When we say “no,” “stop,” or “wait” to children, it’s important to remember that they are little humans developing their sense of self. They need our guidance, but they also need our connection. Holding their hand when we speak, getting on their level to see the world through their eyes, allowing them to express their feelings, and making space for their emotions are gifts that cannot be wrapped in a box.

In a world obsessed with materialism, the true investments we can make in children are not always toys or gadgets, but in our time, attention, and care. These gifts – rooted in presence – will last a lifetime. So, before you say “no” to a child, ask yourself if you’re giving them the most important gift of all: your presence.

Thank you, Princess for your insightful and nurturing words of wisdom.

 

To kick-off a happy 2025, I asked a justice champion and urban farmer to compose a poem to christen in the New Year. Thank you, Brother Michael Chaney!

Arise 2

Dearly beloved

Mother Earth 

Awaken from your deep

winter’s sleep & Bless

this New Year

 

Oh man winter

Slowly pull back your 

blanket of cold & snow

for we farmers have seeds

that need to be sown

 

Anoint this age old 

sacred ritual so that

we your humble children

can reap the bountiful harvest

that we annually seek

 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)

Enjoy our winter wonderland days with taking time for rest, self-care, fun, mourning and grieving together when needed, replenishing self, and cultivate the values and lessons of the peanut farmer who became president of the United States. And, of course, be and stay optimistic!

May Peace Be In the Rondo, Frogtown, Hamline/Midway, Como, and Surrounding Communities... May Peace Be In Our Homes and Communities… May Peace Prevail On Earth (MPPOE).