Early Christmas - 199

 My Christmas was the 17th of December and I received 2 splendid gifts.

The first gift came from the Wakefield City Council. They voted 4-0 to participate in the Michigan Public Power Agencies Clean Energy Program. This came as a special surprise because I played no role in this. We need clean energy foresight and courage now more than ever, so it is inspiring to see local elected council members stepping up to meet our modern energy needs.

The second gift came via public radio while I was reading about our council. But before I tell you what inspired me, I will give you a little personal background. I try to read a little bit in the Bible every night. My focus for years has been exclusively the New Testament and, predominately Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.

A few months ago, I thought reading the Old Testament might be worth my while. The Old Testament has not been easy sailing. I have only made it to Leviticus 19:35. Here I stopped where it says, “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt.”

I wondered how well we were treating our new Afghan Aliens.

If the recent grand ballet performance at Fort McCoy is any indication, we are doing a pretty good job. The Madison Ballet Company working with Fort McCoy, Homeland Security and other enthusiastic partners, repurposed a military warehouse into a ballet theater. Their audience was the 7,000 Afghans taking shelter at Fort McCoy. More than half were kids under 18 years old. The talented Madison Ballet performed the Christmas Nutcracker. This was the brainchild of the Madison Ballet CEO, Jonathan Solari.

Mr. Solari and his wife had participated in relief operations for refugees while in Greece in 2015 and 2016 so they know the plight of uprooted families. After reading a few accounts about the event it was hard not to be inspired.  I think Mr. Solari was the most overwhelmed. His Nutcracker was welcomed and supported by various federal agencies, enthusiastically executed by his company, and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the Afghan audience, especially the kids.

The morning before the four shows dancers put on lessons for the kids. Later the youngsters could be seen dancing outside. It is even reported a local soldier or two could be seen dancing with them.

It is often art that transcends language and culture to awe and inspire. This was a prime example.

At Christmas we are welcomed to envision a new beginning.   My thanks go to the City Council, the Madison Ballet, our countries military, our federal agencies, and all of you who once again open eyes, dreams, and hearts…especially for our kids…native born or alien…those here today… and those yet to be born. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

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