Happy Thanksgiving Charlie Brown

I had a conversation with a friend the other day about why, at thirty, I still love the holidays.  This person unintentionally decided they wanted to point out every reason why I should hate the holidays, and view its approach with all the dread and fear I could muster. The conversation, albeit one sided, went something like this:

       “Isiah why in the name of God do you love the holidays?  I mean seriously, you are single, the majority of your friends are married, you don’t have children, your car is always breaking down, you battle with the your weight, you go to these functions where you are the only single guy and everyone tries to marry you off to these losers.”  

My response was simple: “Well… Damn.” I thought to myself… Maybe he is right…maybe I should hate the holidays. Maybe I should find a fallout shelter and stay there till MLK day!! Then again… Valentine ’s Day would then be right around the corner, and then where will I go. Obviously my life is a mess, and JESUS just needs to TAKE THE WHEEL!  He kept going on for a minute or two, and I had the desire to tell him where he could get off; but then I realized that this conversation wasn’t about me. We were both 30, single, no prospects in the near future, owned old(er) cars, needed to lose about 50-60 pounds ( yea I said it, be grateful I don’t name you),  with the season of love and weight gain staring us down   like a redneck dad’s shotgun when he learned his little daughter has been knocked up.   I interrupted his diatribe and said, “ I don’t feel that way, I don’t know why I don’t… but I don’t… and I will have an answer as to why tomorrow on my blog.”

So here you go, the answer to happiness during the holidays: Charlie Brown. There is a lot you can learn from Charlie Brown.  For years, I have read the comic strip, watched the movies, and cooked to the holiday specials. It doesn’t matter if it is the Great Pumpkin, The Easter Bunny, or as is the case this Thursday It’s Thanksgiving Charlie Brown (on ABC @ 8:00pm).  The young man locked forever in 3^rd grade with all the insecurities, questions and mishaps speak eternally the human experience.  It gives us some rules to live by, and I want to share my rules with you.

1.       Sometimes you are not going to kick that ball, doesn’t mean you stop trying.  One day you will. Persistence always wins.

2.       When in doubt… talk it out.  Whether it is to a dog, bird, or a guy with an unhealthy attachment to a blanket.  Verbalizing helps.

3.       Listen.  Even Lucy took time out of her life to help others.

4.       Have friends that care.  They might make an unintentional misstep, but it is ok.  ALL will work out in the end.

5.       It’s what you think of yourself that matters most.  

To my friend-

So yes, I go on these crazy dates… because even though I know “Lucy” is going to yank that ball from under me …one time she may not . One time I might kick the ball straight to the little red haired girl and then it’s on me.   I have friends that care, (even you in your odd way), we listen to each other, and we help each other through tough times. You would be surprised to know how rare that is.  Someone once told me that if you have 5 good friends in your lifetime you were doing well and better than most.  And as for what I think of myself… I think that I am loved more than I am capable of loving, given more than what I am capable of returning, and blessed more than I deserve.  You asked me, “Why in the name of God do you love the holidays?”  Buddy, I think you answered your own question.  Is there a sound sweeter to the ear, or a thought more fulfilling, or a reason to be more grateful than the simple name of God? I love the holidays because it serves as my reminder to give thanks to God for all the things I have, and I forget about other things I might want.  I share that reminder with you, and to others that might be in the same place and I say with love “Happy Thanksgiving Charlie Brown ;o).”