Winter Snows

I love winter.  It is my favorite holiday barring, naturally, Fall.  So, to be technical, its a close second to Fall, which is only partially true because it might be first depending on the day you ask me.  However, my indecision regarding the seasons and which one takes precedence in my predilections should not deter you from understanding the deep love which I have developed for this time of year.  A lot of people love the Holidays.  I, to be quite honest, do not.  But I do love this time of year.

I love the quiet reflection and meditation as I walk nearly deserted streets with the snow crunching beneath my feet.  The only illumination is the yellowish light proceeding from street lamps mixing with and reflecting off the fallen and falling snow.  I love feeling the snow fall on me; hearing the muffled night noises filter through the frozen tears of nature falling from above.  I personally have gotten too busy.  I have school and life tearing at me constantly.  I don't take the time to think and reflect as I once did.  Whats happening to me?  Why did I forsake one of the joys of my life that I once thought I could never do without?  Luckily the holiday afforded me an opportunity to realize what I had lost.  I spent some time by myself in the dark listening to music as I often could be found at an earlier epoch of my life.

And that is my complaint of the holiday season.  Why is it so busy?  Why do we rush around complying with empty social expectations?  In the least I personally need to slow down.  Nor do I wish to attack Holiday traditions.  Indeed, I feel strongly that they are the very essence of fulfilling holiday activities, especially those centered around the family.

I will however say this without shame or remorse.  I dislike almost everything that people consider Christmas music.  However, I absolutely adore good Christmas music.  Notice the qualifier: Good.  I have several Christmas albums which I listen to often at Christmas time.  Most of the stuff that is played on the radio is junk.  I know that there are many people who would disagree, and some of those violently.  I just say this in response: I spend the entire year listening to music that I enjoy because it has musical qualities that I actually admire and appreciate and I see no reason why Christmas should be an exception.  If you want me to admire your Christmas Music make sure it is of admirable musical quality.

Leaving that soapbox behind I want to finish with this final thought.  I've been enjoying holidays less and less of late.  I find that special days pass by with little to differentiate them from any other day.  I've lost the spirit of rejoicing and festivities.  Oh to be a child again when the world was fresh, young, and beautiful.  I think that I'm only getting what I'm putting into these holidays.  I need to slow down and truly enjoy these winter snows and the happiness that derives from taking the time to reflect and meditate.  Ultimately, these sessions lead me to ponder my relationship with God.  Is it of any wonder that I've felt stressed and frustrated of late?  How can I expect to find happiness in a place where I've forgotten who brought me here?  Find the fresh view of the world that you had as a child.  You'll find it in seeing the good around you; the potential in others.  You'll find it in quiet meditation on the things that matter most.  You'll find it in seeing things through the eyes of God.

Provocation Continued

I have been provoked.  After the talk that President Packer gave in General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints my sister was on Facebook.  Someone claimed, as many have done since then, that President Packer spread "a message of hate."  My initial thought was the exact same line spoken in the move V for Vendetta where it was used in an equally absurd manner.  Regardless, my sister spoke out against it saying that she felt it wasn't hateful and that she agreed with the statement Elder Packer gave.  What ensued was disturbing to me.  The girl whose wall she posted on along with two other self identified lesbians proceeded to attack my sister claiming she was judgmental, hateful, and generally a horrible and unhappy person.  I hesitated to read it a second time because of the anger that was directed at my sister who really meant no harm.

I feel that it is vital that everyone should be able to express their opinions.  It is that principle which creates good government in the United States.  A friend of mine, specifically a tall handsome one with a nose, once taught me that having such a wide  variety of opinions was indeed necessary for the stability of our nation.  I also feel that everyone should have their basic human rights.  I oppose anyone who opposes those things.  I honestly feel that people with the direct opposite ideas as mine should be free to say them.  That doesn't mean that I have to accept them, nor that they accept mine.  When such ideas create a Hegelian dichotomy it allows us to progress in society as a whole.

The vehemence of the statements that I saw were in fact the statements of people who feel strongly about what they believe.  I recognize that.  What I fail to recognize is why anyone can believe that they have the right to demonize, slander, and attack personally anyone who disagrees with their opinions.  That is wrong.  End of statement.  There is no reason that it would ever be acceptable.  It violates the necessary ideological dialectic that allows social progression.  They attacked her merely for stating her opinions.  She clearly allowed them such liberties as the ability to have their own opinion but chillingly wasn't granted such courtesy in return.

As I mentioned previously I have been provoked.  I have started my research.  I will not spread a message of hate, though I'm sure thats what many would say if they read this and what I plan to post in the future.  I will state facts and show properly cited scientific studies.  I will state well documented history.  I will add in my own commentary and analysis, naturally.  I will be as objective as possible because in the end I don't want to leave any room for complaints.  I will show why I feel the way I do and while anyone is welcome to disagree they cannot say I'm being unfair or unreasonable about it.  I will not stand for people saying that my opinion is not legitimate because it doesn't agree with theirs.  I have no intention of violating the dialectic of this nation.  I willingly acknowledge their opinions as exactly what they are:opinions, which allows for differing opinions as well.  I don't know how long it will take me, but its coming