PERSPECTIVES

Fall is a peculiar season. We start out with the opening of school, then the odd days off for special people in history, then Halloween Ö zooming straight into Christmas. One trip to the nearest mall right after Halloween allows you to witness witches and goblins magically reappear as Santa and his elves.

I suppose one "gimme" holiday usually follows another "gimme" holiday. Yet what people don't realize is the treasure trove of "gimme" holidays quietly packed away in the inconspicuous month of November.

November starts off with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. What wonderful "gimme" days those are. Just think of all the inspiration, memories, and miracles given to us by the saints and loved ones who were once a part of our lives. In Lithuania, processions march into cemeteries to light candles on the graves of their family and friends. People reminisce, pray, and gather gentle strength from those who still keep a watch over us.

November 11th marks Veteran's Day. The assorted wars have produced many veterans and wartime survivors who can still hear the whistling bomb or the anguished cry. Our ears hear the power of their gift to their country when we say that our country is free.

Thanksgiving spurs people to give to their neighbor. Without the usual glance at the time schedule, they visit the poor, the weak, and the sickly. They give of their own food and friendship. Families unite, while strangers kindly salute each other. An opportune moment comes to whisper "thank you" to all seen and unseen who have succeeded to breathe wondrous gifts into our souls.

By November 29th, Advent's beginning, we should feel awed by the wonder of these "gimmes". Yet Advent succeeds in giving the most awesome of gifts - a promise of a Savior. The anticipation, the vigil, continues until Christmas. This fervent excitement renews our hope in Man.

Our very beings are refreshed with the gentle touches from centuries past and the warm, loving hugs from those in our lives at this very moment. November feeds our souls to urge us on into the cold depths of winter. It becomes the month which opens our inner spirits to a most wondrous dance of life.