Hi, it’s me again - yet another year older and still waiting to be wiser and more content. Before I get started - I know, I know - yes, it’s the same list I’ve sent to you for the past 35 years. But I still want these things and I can’t understand why you haven’t brought them. So here goes again - this is what I want:
Peace - not just peace for myself, but a true peace around the world. Please bring the simplicity of peace to all families. Let there be less yelling, fussing, directing and mandating that things be done this way or that way. Give us more tolerance and support. Peace that will allow young men and women to return home from serving our country - alive. A peace that will in the end, finally make humankind aware that death is never life - domination never freedom - intolerance of others never faithfulness to self.
Cooperation - within my family and between our neighbors, friends, families, towns and cities. Cooperation between political parties - between governments - between nations and those that claim they represent sacred institutions of God. Cooperation that demonstrates recognition of the “other” - makes evident the wonder of God in all religious houses - the great value of true love in all relationships.
Acceptance - acknowledging the differences in other people and nations, differences that enhance the great value of life. Acceptance derails “fear and lack of knowledge” of others which blinds us to the great worth found in each God created soul - in each faith - in each loving relationship. If there is a key to peace and cooperation, it’ll be that of acceptance. Where there is no acceptance, there is separation, where there is separation there is ignorance, where there is ignorance there is evil’s opportunity.
Education - provide me with the opportunity to learn about my brothers and sisters - the world’s children - another’s faith, hopes and dreams. Education opens the doors of life, exposing us to the diversity of humankind. It’s through learning that I am able to open my mind and heart to a truth which is much greater than me. Living in a world we do not fully understand oft leads to fear, frustration and intolerance. We fear and avoid - often condemning - what we do not understand. Education is the key that opens the door of hope.
Santa, it’s been so many years now that I’ve asked for these things. I grow weary and tired of asking. Please don’t leave me the same dumb note you’ve left all these years - for I don’t understand what you mean when you say: “Tom, what you’ve asked for - peace, cooperation, acceptance and education - have always been under your tree. You don’t open these gifts; you give them away. Santa.”
God, bless America.
— Thomas H. Hunkele of Troup County is a certified fitness trainer and president of Lakeside Fitness.
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