Dennis Clayson

At this season, I am reminded of the good things in life. Christmas has so many messages that it is hard to select only a few.

The ultimate message of Christmas is that there is a God, and that this God actually loves us. That doesn't mean that life will be easy, or that evil will not exist, but as John teaches, because of that love we are given the example and the ability to love others.

A number of years ago, a writer clarified the difference this message has made. There had been a disastrous storm in Cuba. It had occurred even though many had prayed that the storm would just go away. Two thousand years ago, the writer said, because of our dislike of Castro, we would have gone to our temples and thanked the gods that they had punished our enemies. Instead, churches, individuals, and governments organized relief efforts.

We take this for granted, but there is a profound change in the way people react.

There are other faiths and traditions that have added to the betterment of our condition, and celebrating Christmas does not distract, but only adds to them all.

I am reminded this time of year of the good things I enjoy. One of these is the stability of Iowa.

We have had the same doctor for over 20 years. She takes great care of me and my wife. She took good care of my children. She is a blessing.

I have had the same dentist for over 20 years. I still have all my teeth. I have had the same eye doctor. I have had the same barber for over 20 years. Colleen is very good, and I enjoy seeing her the two times a year I get my hair cut. I have the vanity that she actually enjoys my visits.

These people have been kind to me and to my family. They have served me very well and I appreciate them. The fact that these talented people are here and have been able to exercise their gifts for so long is something not to be overlooked or minimized.

We also remember our past Christmas times, and so it becomes a time of memory and comparison.

I am reminded that I'm growing old. We received a Christmas card from some friends that I haven't seen in almost 30 years. A picture was enclosed. I recognized them immediately although they both look, unlike my own inner vision of myself, like old folks.

They didn't look like that 30 years ago. I had a better memory then. I can recognize them instantly, but it may take a moment or two to recognize someone I met for the first time this year.

I used to love to play tennis. I don't do so anymore. It seems like too much of a bother.

My hair has gotten thinner and my skin spontaneously erupts with blemishes and spots.

What I now want can be simply stated.

My wife has a very old cat. He is the most spoiled cat in the universe.

He walks with a limp, and he can't jump up on the bed anymore. Sometimes he gets confused and wanders off in the wrong direction.

The older he gets the more he wants to be around my wife. It used to be that if she went somewhere, he would just appear by magic. He has no such subtlety anymore.

He wants to spend his days as close to her as possible.

I'm becoming just like the old cat, and I now find my mind increasingly in a different place.

I don't care about my career as much. I don't even consider it a career anymore. I don't really care much if people don't like what I say. I don't care that my truck is 21 years old.

I want to see a trout rise to a well-placed lure. I want to see the glory of Iowa in the spring and fall. I want to be free from convention.

I want to think. I want my food dish full. I want to sit and look dignified once in awhile.

I want to be like my wife's old cat and be as close to her as possible.

At this season, I am reminded of God's love, and the wish that we all may have a Merry Christmas.