Well I’m having a blue Christmas…ocean blue that is! Happy Friday and welcome back to the adventures of the Wild Hearted Drifter, writing to you oceanside from sunny Cancun. I wrote the majority of this with a cabana view, though the inspiration came to me while getting here (as most do). There’s quite a selection in my closet with a goose down coat and fur vest among linen and a surf suit. With stops in Sheridan, Denver, Cancun, and Omaha, I’m ready for 80 degrees, negative 8, and anything in-between.

Affectionately, we call our family vacations “Volkation.” And we thoroughly enjoy spending time together. Dad always has very farmer-influenced resort wear, including his trusty pocket flashlight. Usually, he’s using it for something mechanically related, but this week, he’s looking for large lizards in the greenery and reading menus with ease. Expect more funnies with a full Volkation recap next week.

Before we got to blue ocean water, I spent some time in wide open mountain country. I started my week with a late-night Sunday flight into Sheridan, WY. The airport was full of NFR goers, Broncos fans, and holiday travelers. It was really calming being a business traveler, since the weather looked promising, and my customers usually have a lot of time to enjoy conversation this time of year. The wind blew quite strong on our little plane into the Bighorn Mountains town, but we landed, and I headed for my favorite hotel in the north end of the state:  The Historic Sheridan Inn.

The Inn has quite a history, including the audition grounds for Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show. With an expansive front porch facing the railroad, I can still see the days of old, though locals may say the Inn has gotten too modern for them. Each room tells a story of members of the Wild West Show and William F. Cody’s friends. Oh I just love the charm of this place, not to mention the amenities, and character. For example, the breakfast room is in the original ballroom where Cody would host his parties. The beams are all original, with a ceiling view like a ship. Can you imagine who has walked across these floors? Which couples danced and laughed at the parties and maybe even got married? Many trips I like to just sit and think, let my historical imagination run, mostly thinking of the folks our history books would not have introduced us to.

This time of year, I think the “stars of the show,” whether it be social media socialites or small town tell-all, tend to get a lot of attention. Where are they going? What are they wearing? And who are they doing it with? And let’s be honest…what are they buying and how much does it cost? But then there’s a whole other less-seen story, but perhaps more in season with the spirit of giving. The bell ringers for the salvation army volunteering to remind others of giving. The toy drives and adopt-a-family who give Christmas to those who are upon hard times. The healthcare workers, preparing for loved ones to be visited inside, or helping others in recovery, promising “I’ll be home for Christmas.” The simple story of the importance of a good friend who shows up for someone in need is the story I’ll be writing about this week.

After making a big swing through Wyoming, across country I used to live in and now love to visit, I made for a day in Northern Colorado at the warehouse. We truly are a team. Each one of us has a job, and most of us know each other’s customers. I’ve never felt it’s a “me first” attitude, but rather, how can I show up the best for my team today. I know they’d do for me what I’d do for them. This also means answering our phones when it may not be convenient, but choosing to because we all are in this together. After 500 miles in 2 days in a rental car, I headed to the gate for my early flight to Cancun. Scoring an upgraded seat, I snuggled in to see which movie I could enjoy. There it was. My favorite Christmas movie, sharing the importance of showing up for one’s friends in the season you’re called.  

No better movie brings that narrative to life than “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The movie details the story of George Bailey, from his younger years and first jobs to his family business, Bailey Bros Building and Loan. His life was quite common, really, but uncommon in his giving to others. He saves his brother’s life, who then goes on to save others in war. Many community members love him, though, he isn’t the richest nor living life with things merely given to him. This movie has been one of my family’s favorites for as long as I can remember. George kind of reminds me of my own dad—always giving, always humble, and reminds himself of the small things in life worth living for.

George finds himself in turmoil as the story climaxes with major frustrations in his life, with potential jail time. He meets his guardian angel, Clarence, who grants George’s wish to never be born. George then gets to see his town, his family, or lack thereof, and peers go through life without the little things in life he did that made all the difference. It’s a dark thought that I’ve overcome myself and prayed through for others. The question of why am I here and is my life worth living?

I, too, once walked this dark path, wondering why I was born. The question came at quite an early age when my classmates were thinking about which color crayons to use for school projects. I’ve never had the full-write up of life goals like some do, and I used to resent it. I used to think that I needed to know everything, like where I need to live and what my “calling” is, when in reality, my calling is being nimble to where I need to be. Sometimes the lie translates in our own life to, “well if I don’t know what this is all for maybe it’s all for nothing.” This lie I have overcome, and never once questioned again without reminding the enemy of one of my favorite chapters in the bible, Psalm 139.

…you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13

He knitted every living thing together, and The Most High God doesn’t miss a stitch. He formed you and I for the exact time we are born in. He saw and knew the choices we would make, though He gives us free will to choose them. He can use even the smallest choices we make, like reaching out to that someone who needs to know you care, to make all the difference in the world. Never question your need to bring what you have, no matter how small.

“You see, George, you’ve really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it all away?”—Clarence, It’s a Wonderful Life

Friends, I write this because both George Bailey, me and you have reason to celebrate this Christmas season. Someone needs you, just as George was needed in his town. I won’t tell the rest of the story, but I encourage you to see the film. Whenever you wonder why, or why now, know the One Greater than you or I knows. And He’s chosen you to be where you are in this season for a reason. No matter how big or small this part of life is, you showing up is sometimes all it takes to change destiny and have an impact. And there’s reason to be thankful to have people to show up for.

“Remember George, No man is a failure who has friends”—Clarence, It’s a Wonderful Life

When you get to show up for friends, it’s a gift to give your time. There’s more to our stories than we could ever know, until we complete them. It is only then when we will see all the intricate pieces in play. We will see how the things we did or didn’t buy for Christmas really didn’t matter. But the small gesture of kindness, the smile to someone who needed it, or the answered phone call to someone who needed you when it really mattered is what really matters. I pray you complete your story this season and remember the greatest gift you possess to give is yourself.

“All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away”—Pa Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life

Thanks for being here for another week. Whether you choose to stay a while or pop in and out as you choose, I’m gratified to know you. I’m not sure how long this will be part of my assignment, but I’m glad this is part of my calling this season. My heart is full, and it is a pleasure to share this season of life with you, reader. Have peace and be full of cheer with what you have been given to share with others or for others. I can promise you someone needs whatever it is you have to give this season. You may not see it today, but it could be all the difference in your family, your community and your life. Merry Christmas.