Sharing a Facebook Status Update (from Christmas)

This was originally posted on my Facebook wall on Christmas and I don't typically share those things as blogs, but I thought this one kinda made sense.  - js

I do the same prayer every night. It's actually been the same since I was around 17 years old. I thank God for the many blessings he's bestowed upon the world, with quite a few of those benefiting myself and my loved ones. I ask for forgiveness, and the ability to learn from my mistakes. I ask that I be given the opportunity to meet and learn from new people and treat the people I already know and love as treasures in my life, live in and travel to places my worldview is expanded and improved by, and be granted situations and circumstances that help me get closer to fulfilling whatever purpose it is that He has for me. I pray for safety, security, health and understanding for the people of this world, especially the people who've touched my life and continue to do so today. I pray that we constantly learn that it's not always the blessings we're in need of or should ask for directly, but the ability to receive those blessings and maximize the benefits of them to others and ourselves. Most of all, I do this not as an incredibly religious person. Not as a frequent churchgoer. I can't say I've been to church in half a decade. Not as someone who is perfect or even close to perfect. Can't say I ever will be, either. Not as someone looking for favors every day of the week, month and year. Can't say I'm not mightily blessed though. But instead, I do this because it's the single most important thing anyone can do. Have a conversation with God. Whether you're Christian or Jewish or Muslim or Hindu or Buddhist or Shinto or Mormon (since there are a few of those), this is the most important thing you can do. I'm not big on proselytizing so please don't take it as such. I am, however, a fan of sharing. Social sharing. Experience sharing. Lesson sharing. This past month has been all about Music Sharing. So on this day, whether you get into the gift-giving craze or not, remember it's really all about sharing. Sharing in the life of Jesus, yes. But also sharing a sense of family, friendship and kinship and togetherness around blessings received throughout the year. At least that's what it means to me. I try to get better at sharing everyday. I don't always succeed, but I do always try. When I fail, I pray to be given another opportunity. I write all this to say a huge THANK YOU to each and everyone of you for sharing a little piece of your life and lessons with me. May I return the favor aplenty in 2012 and beyond.