This winter, the one thing I’m hoping is for those that are struggling, whether finally, mentally or physically, to keep searching for the light that shines ahead. To find the strength they need to not give up. I know it can be hard for some people around Christmas time. Last Christmas and the one before, we were too broke to buy Christmas presents for our kids. They understood though. And they didn't mind waiting months after Christmas for us to buy them something. I asked what they wanted for Christmas this year. They all said, "I don't know." Our kids don't find happiness in material things. They find happiness in the world around them. They find happiness in helping others. They would be just as happy to get a handmade Christmas card than a PlayStation 5 or new iPhone. They already have the things they desire. There are things that I want. Like a new dishwasher. New clothes. An Indian ringneck parakeet. A wildlife sanctuary. A car. A house. But I would be just as happy if my kids did the dishes and cleaned the bathrooms. I'm not someone who values material things. If I won the lottery and had millions of dollars, of course I would buy a house and a car. But not anything fancy. I would build warming houses for the neighborhood cats that like to run the streets. I'd build bird houses for the local bird colonies. I'd bring the homeless guy standing on the side of the road in the middle of a Minnesota winter a warm coat, hat and gloves, some foot warmers, a warm dinner. I'd buy huge bags of dog and cat food and donate them to the local animal shelters. No one NEEDS millions of dollars in their bank account. No one NEEDS a huge mansion, 20 luxury sports cars, designer cologne or handbags or clothes. Everyone should live a simple life surrounded by the people they love and pray for the people who don't have anything or anyone. Sometimes the only thing that keeps people who are struggling going is hope. And the kindness of others. ~God bless #ChristmasWishWall