A man in front of me at the grocery store this afternoon spontaneously started whistling “Let it Snow” as we waited in line for the cashier. His whistling made me think of a sermon that I heard at Church several years ago that is very appropriate to tell you about, this week especially. I do not remember the entire message, but I believe it was entitled “The four essential books of the Season.” The lesson centered on the fact that in this beautiful, spiritual, ridiculously busy, and sometimes stressful time of year, we need to be able to maintain our senses and not “lose our way.” There are four “essential” books that help us in this regard. The first one is “The Good Book.” This book provides the foundation of my faith and it tells the greatest story ever told. I make a point to read the Gospel of Luke during this month every year and that routine helps reinforce my own beliefs and comforts me with the knowledge that I am not alone, ever.
The second essential book is “The Date Book.” The calendar is what helps us stay on track so that we do not miss one single party, pageant, or play no matter how untalented the child performers might be! (Just kidding. ALL children’s plays and concerts are of Carnegie Hall caliber, right?) Aside from all of the extra events which are scheduled this time of year, the date book is crucial for us all as we plan our Holiday schedules at work. Meetings, conference calls, and client home visits continue to occur, usually right up to December 24th … and maybe even a few on that day itself. Needless to say, keeping up is a major task.

The third book is “The Checkbook.” Presents for family, the endless $10  “Dirty Santa” gifts, and food costs for cooking meals really adds up, and the checkbook must be monitored and kept up to date. Looking at the checkbook is also a good exercise during the rest of the year, but this month it is essential in order to make sure January 1st does not greet you with a negative balance! While you are looking, balancing, and praying over the checkbook, it is also a decent idea to review where your money goes. This opportunity to observe your spending habits can lead to some really effective budgeting – which is always a good way to start the New Year.

Finally, the last important book is “The Song Book.” At Church this is called a Hymnal, but in my car it tends to be the book of 60’s, 70’s and 80’s pop hits! You see, singing or whistling has an almost magical effect on stress and bad moods. This month there are bound to be moments of shear frustration, exhaustion, and impatience while you shop, drive, and gain the extra pounds from all of the snacks you are sure to eat at the office party. When those moments are upon you, start singing, humming or whistling your favorite Christmas song. Look at your watch and see how fast the bad mood melts away. It really is amazing. Music is a gift we were given that we take for granted, probably more than any other. Maybe it’s time for all of us to unwrap this gift and take advantage of its mood altering potential. This week as you go about your work with clients and with your peers, make sure you are spiritually grounded; make sure you are on time; make sure you are planning for your own financial future; and sing! There are lots of great tunes from which to choose…….

Blessings,

Stephen P. Carr II, MA,  MFT
Program Director
Mississippi Case Management Consortium
www.mc-mc.org