It’s December and even as I look forward, I find myself also looking backward.  Not a good thing, you fall down a lot, you bump into things and you fail to live in the moment.  I have to try harder to face forward.

Le mémorial de Pearl Harbour (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I mention Pearl Harbour because December 7, 1941 was the anniversary of that event. I am too young to have been alive in 1941 but the history of that event is very interesting. Most historians would probably agree that it was a surprise attack that should not have been a surprise. The Americans had broken the Japanese code and they knew the Japanese were there in force. Most would surmise that the politicians save in Washington, 10 hours away and the width of the Pacific Ocean were willing to take the risk in order to have the USA finally get on board and help end World War II.  I think it was that and more; including the naivety that we all exhibit now and then.

John Lennon – December 8, 1980 was killed in front of his apartment building in New York.  A musician, an activist and a talent gone, weeks before Christmas.

December is a time of great anticipation certainly, and we treasure it even though in the northern hemisphere it is cold and dark.  But even as we celebrate it is important not to be naive about what is happening, and what can happen in the world very unexpectedly.

My Christmas tree and all it’s lights went up and I pray that this will be a Christmas year of peace throughout the world, and much to celebrate of life, health and family.