Confession is good for the soul. I must admit that the Grinch is my all time favorite character in the reporitire of characters that Dr. Seusss so cleverly created. Here is the problem: I like the Grinch before his heart grew. I am serious. Perhaps it is not entirely true. Actually I am a reformed Grinch. The My own heart has actually grown. But I used to despise the Christmas holidays. Thus…why I like the small-hearted and unreformed Grinch.

During my small heart days I was of a mind that we should be generous and kind year round. We should give to those in need in July as well as in December. I still believe that actually. But I have had a change of heart…. Christmas is a good time to slow down long enough to enjoy special traditions. I had an experience last night confirming that conclusion.

We enjoyed the annual Granbury Police Dept. Christmas party at the newly constructed convention center. The Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association funded the meal and invited Santa Claus for the children of the officers. In fact, they went to a lot of trouble to make it a memorable evening. The alumni association models to other agencies around the state what citizen partnerships can look like.

Shift work in a police setting makes it very difficult for everyone to be together at one time. The Christmas party is an annual event where officers and civilian employees can bring their spouses and children for a fun night out. There were newborn babies who were not with us last year. The children of other officers have seemingly grown up overnight. The Chief had an opportunity to show off his beautiful grandchildren. It is a tradition that everyone has grown to appreciate. The award for the officer of the year is presented as well at the Christmas party.

I was reminded last night what caused the growth in that Grinch like heart of mine. It occurred to me very recently that holiday tradition is all about security. Every year I attend several Christmas gatherings with family, law enforcement officers, co-workers, and church friends… I can’t help but reminded that these are people I love and appreciate. I spend time with them every week accomplishing tasks or just being family. In a setting like a Christmas party, we all slow down long enough to realize how important these people are in our lives.

This year as I scanned the rooms full of friends at several annual parties, I felt a great sense of security. I have friends! I am a very fortunate person! I am grateful for tradition, because it is all about fortifiying that sense of security for all of us. I didn’t realize it, but my heart grew as I scanned one of those rooms this year! I suppose Christmas may be good around the Knox Manor this year just like it was in Whoville the year that the Grinch’s heart grew. Confession is good for the soul and celebrating Christmas is good for relationships.