I Believe: Merry Christmas!

This post was written on Christmas Eve, just as we're going to bed and it will remain top-of-the-blog until after Christmas.

We just returned from church, where we took my mother-in-law to celebrate mass. Man, the church was packed. While we arrived a half-hour early, the only seats available were in the second row down front. That's okay, I like to be able to see what's going on.

As I looked around, I saw someone I knew, and waved. She waved back. Then someone else waved -- a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. Then another, and another. A couple who goes on motorcycle rides with me held up their daughter who waved to me for them. A fraternity brother from college gave me a hug and the secret handshake (yeah, they still have those and I still remember it). An elected official walked by, called out my name, practically fell over the pew in front of me to shake my hand while we both were laughing and wishing each other a "Merry Christmas."

Right up until the service started, I looked around the mass of humanity around me and realized I knew a lot of people. After all, the church is in the middle of the community where I live. The cemetery where my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved-ones were buried is just down the road. (My ties to this community run deep, and run looooong).

My mother-in-law, though, was amazed. "How do you know all these people?" My answer was: "I believe."

• I believe in service to others.
  
• I believe in caring for my neighbor.
  
• I believe in doing. Not just sitting and watching, but doing.
  
• I believe in being patient until things happen, and nudge 'em along when needed.
  
• I believe that a smile is the best gift to give to others.
  
• I believe that life is full of surprises and without them, life would be awfully dull.
  
• I believe in holding friends close, and family closer.
  
• I believe in my partner, wholeheartedly, without reservation or equivocation.
  
• I believe that joy comes to those who share joy.
  
• I believe in Santa. Well, in his magic, his spirit, and his love.
  
• And yeah, I believe in love. Love is the only thing you get back more of the more you give it away.
  
• I believe that God loves all of us, including us gay guys as well as the homophobes. God loves all -- it is religion that causes separatism and some people to display hatred, which is what God teaches us is a sin.

As Susan Walker said in Miracle on 34th Street:

"I believe... I believe... It's silly, but I believe."

And to quote (badly) from the title of another Christmas classic, I kinda believe that I have a wonderful life.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Believe in yourself, believe in your fellow man, believe in your heart, and believe in life!