Everybody can be great because anybody can serve

Dear Editor,

New Jersey Arya Samaj Humanitarian Mission extends Christmas Greetings to the government and people of Guyana.

Well, it’s here. Today is Christmas. I know that not everyone who reads this will celebrate Christmas, but I do. And I was raised in this tradition. No matter what you are or are not celebrating during the holidays, there’s one thing that comes to mind more than anything else and that’s loved ones and all those who you have close at heart.

But with Christmas here today, whether you celebrate it or not, I think today is a great day to think about, reach out to and honour those whom you love and let them know how much you  care and appreciate them in your life.  Today is all we have, because tomorrow is not promised, so share that love with your loved ones; don’t wait for another day, it may be too late.

I also know that this time of year can be hard for those who are reading this who have lost loved ones. I know that day is ahead for me, but for this year I am blessed to have all my family and friends alive and well.

People making long lists for loved ones, hiding special gifts taking time to be kind to one and all  – it’s that time of year. When good friends and family are dear, and you wish you could give more than just presents from a store why don’t you give them gift of love from our heart on Christmas day? Even the man who has everything is still searching for love and his money can’t buy him that love, neither can our material gifts fill the emptiness; he would be so happy if you would bring him love on Christmas Day No greater gift is there than love.

And while there are no words that can replace the love that you are missing out on today, I would like to suggest something. I know that even though a million prayers and wishes won’t bring them back, what you can do today is choose to focus on giving more love away as a Christmas gift. Help someone in need. Help to feed someone that is hungry. Give the gift of love to a home bound or lonely senior. Help just one other person so they know that they are not alone this year. Many times we can be so focused on what’s missing in our lives that we overlook the opportunity that we have to give away that which we feel is missing from our lives.

And while this cannot cure your pain, it can make it better. And you can help bring joy to someone else and touch another life forever. So one act of kindness this holiday season may touch many people‘s lives. We never know the ripple effects of our actions.

So, if you are feeling pain today and during the holidays, can you give away to others the love you feel that you are lacking? I know it’s not a permanent fix; I know it won’t bring back those that you love, but I do know that it can and will make you feel better and what’s even better, you can change someone else’s life. And with this kind of action you turn tragedy into triumph.

Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. Every day you have the opportunity to learn and experience something and someone new. Seize the opportunity. Learn and experience everything you can, and use it to change the world.

I remain the humble servant for the poor.

Yours faithfully,
Pandit Suresh Sugrim