By Sen. Cam Ward
During the Holiday Season we are usually inundated by the wants of our consumer culture, and have to fight to keep the focus on the real reason for the season. In my house, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ above all else. And while we probably buy too many toys for our daughter, we also think of ways to serve those who struggle to both pay their bills, and provide a nice visit from Santa for their families.
In this economy, after 5 years of recession and slow growth, it is important that we keep in mind those less fortunate than we are. I’m talking about the elderly woman who cannot pay the heating bill, the young family trying to stretch their dollars until the end of the year, and the dad working two jobs, plus a seasonal job just to make sure his little girl can get that bike that she wants. These are the folks we need to keep in our thoughts in prayers during this time of good cheer, laughter and mirth.
I personally like to take the time over the Christmas and New Year’s season to count up my blessings, with which my cup runneth over. I have an amazing wife who stands by me through thick and thin, and we have a beautiful young daughter who is thriving in her pre teen years, and growing into a young lady before our eyes. We have some material comforts, and good jobs.
I also have the distinct pleasure and blessing of representing the best parts of the best states in the union. The good people of Shelby, Bibb and Chilton County have allowed me to represent them in some capacity since 2002. I do not take a single one of my constituents for granted, and I am thankful for every single one of you.
I’m thankful for the people who vote for me, and I’m thankful for the people who have supported my opponents in the past. I’m thankful for the people who welcome me into their homes and businesses, and for those who disdain politics altogether. I’m thankful for the kind words and letters I receive, and for the people who call my office to give me a piece of their mind that might include words that can’t be printed in a family publication.
You see, without all of these people, our area, our state and our country would not have the type of freedom and the differences of opinion which make ours the greatest country this world has ever known. I’m even thankful for my mother in law!
This Christmas, and as we turn the page on another year, let’s all take the time to reflect on our many blessings, give a hand to those less fortunate, and celebrate the common threads we all share, and leave the hate and divisiveness behind. We celebrate The Prince of Peace, let’s honor him with our words and actions.
