President’s Blog II December 2025
Making Sense of it All
I know what you’re thinking. He struggles to get 2 Blogs written in 3 months and now he writes 2 in the last 2 weeks. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but what does?
As the last few weeks have unfolded, it has been very apparent why many people struggle through the holidays. My cousin posted on Facebook last week how tough it is for her during the holidays. It struck me as odd at first because she seemingly has much to be thankful for. Then at a blink of an eye the world begins to unravel right in front of me. A young student is killed by a bus in Rockland, an elementary student is killed by a bus today in Standish, a school shooting at Brown University and a mass shooting in Australia. The Islamic terrorist killed at least 15 people between the ages of 10 and 87. They were all gathered at a Hanukkah celebration. As if that was not enough, a member of the LKCC family and one of my closest friends lost his wife unexpectedly. She was 63 years old and one of the kindest souls I have ever known. My heart is broken and I struggle daily to make sense of it.
On December 18 it will mark the 2 year anniversary of my mother’s passing. She was 87 and had a wonderful life. I have no regrets and take great pride in the fact that we were able to build her a house where she could happily live her remaining years. I am sure she is so pleased to be with dad again. They can now both visit with their close friend and classmate, Ron McAllister. I will truly miss Ron.
Last week Tina and I were blessed (not a play on words) to get a visit from our local pastor. She came by for some fresh honey and honeycomb. I think she planned to teach her grandchildren how to eat honeycomb. She said she did a lot of that when she was younger. She was a close friend of my mother and always has a lesson for anyone willing to listen. I like that about her. We started to chat about the world and the local tragedies. She asked me how I was doing with all that was unfolding around us. In typical “Littlefield fashion” I said, “Do’in good. I’m do’ in good.” She just looked at me and stared right through me. She was not satisfied with my usual response to everything. Here was my chance to get all the answers that I have been searching for. I continued,” I’m just trying to make sense of it all. I don’t understand why tragic things happen!” I swallowed, holding back most of my emotions, waiting for her to explain God’s plan. The answer was precise and immediate. “Don’t! Don’t try and make sense of terrible things that happen. There are no answers and you will go crazy trying to find them.” Wisdom is a wonderful thing!
I drove by a local pub last week and they had a sign outside that said “All I want for Christmas is Basic Human Rights.” Immediately I thought, “just another Liberal sign overstating the obvious during the holiday season.” So, I went home and looked up the meaning of the sign. Come to find out, everyone in the country has the right to an adequate standard of living. This means food, clothing and housing. Another right is the protection from State interference. Well, you can summarize these rights any way you wish. All that comes to my mind is the millionaires in Augusta, continuing to make senseless laws and regulations and the family of 3 that were huddled up against the side of a restaurant on Commercial street in Portland with a sign that said,” I’m a Veteran, please help!” They were getting ready to sleep there for the night. It was 10 degrees out. Count me in on the human rights theme!
My focus this holiday season will be “memories”. Remembering all the great times with my parents, family and friends. I will work hard in 2026 to make more memories that last my lifetime and give me comfort when the going gets tough. Choose love over hate, giving over greed and don’t be concerned if it doesn’t make sense. Find solace in memories and happiness with family and friends. Swing hard if you can and don’t be afraid to take a mulligan. God Bess you all.
Happy Holidays,
Brad
