So, what is going home? Packing up the car, trying to get out of work early, and getting in line on Interstate 70? Making flight arrangements? Seeing who'll feed the cat, or dog (s), or both?

I have a different idea. I think going home is the very essence of our fond memories and the softer side of our hearts becoming in tune with one another. Going home is remembering how we are to treat one another. It's remembering Sunday School class as a little kid, studying why we forgive our neighbor and help the sick. Don't you think?

On any given day, and at any given time, one can see people begging along the streets, intersections, and alleys of America. Our mind tells us, "don't make eye contact, they may think we have something for them." It's kind of like the principle of not making eye contact with an angry dog. The dog is less likely to attack you, if you're not starring him/her down, allowing the dog to see your fear (This is strictly theory. Please do NOT try this at home, Pavlov). But it's around the Holiday Seasons, and especially, that of

"People are people so why should it be, you and I should get along so awfully?" - Depeche Mode

My point is that maybe we should practice going home daily and not seasonally. Maybe daily, we should try to dig down and remember the good natured principles of the past. Did you get that? I said, "good natured principles of the past." Nowhere in that sentence does it use the word "bad." Go back an reread this. With a major in History and Political Science, I learned quickly that some reading requires another look. Go ahead. Take another look. I'll give you a second.

NOW, here's something real:

Remember, a great level of joy and wisdom can be gained by just watching and listening. Although, I usually don't practice this, it's comforting when I do.

Going home is truly in your heart. And, the first sign of a bad memory entering your cranium, should quickly be dismissed. Get rid of that junk, ASAP!  Remember the good stuff. Remember what your grandmother taught you by singing that childish rhyme. Remember her swinging you in the porch swing - singing "Sweet Low, Sweet Chariot." Remember the sugar cookie dough you snuck out of the refrigerator when she wasn't looking (she knew). Remember, playing the piano for her so she could smile. Remember, hitting the baseball as far as you could so Jerry could yell, "There You Go, Look at That!"

Maybe you remember the first dress you knitted with your Mother and her showing you an easier way to fold. Maybe you showed her a thing or two, too. Remember the first time you helped your mom fry chicken or she let you lick the chocolate icing from the bowl instead of ME! Remember the first time your dad let you barbecue or mow the yard with the John Deere. Remember the first time your Mom trusted you enough to ride bikes with Jeff Jones up the street, finding that the crest of Gilman Rd was the ultimate JUMP!!

Remember that the silly poems, adages, and nursery rhymes your Mimi, Nanna, Mamaw, Grandpa Cecil, or Poppy knew by heart, conveyed to you, were given to you for a reason. There's something bigger than you and me at work here, my friends, and you only have to look at your wonderful past in order to see. 

In conclusion, I think it would do us good to think more like children at times. At Times! The problem with today's youth now is that they're exposed to adult situations. Under no circumstance should children ever act like disgruntled adults. They shouldn't witness adult situations and they shouldn't be exposed to marital discourse. Having said that, children shouldn't be totally sheltered. But, when it comes to children, people need to practice more discretion and less irresponsibility.

I also believe, at times, that adults are the ones who should be still and quiet.                                    

And, it was good...

Best refill the coffee before you turn this one on. It has a great drum introduction which will give you time to clear your throat, because this one requires you to sing along. I want to see each and everyone of you singing, too.