I have not blogged as I had planned to at all this year but I could not let 2016 come to a close without wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a hope filled 2017.
As my first year in business reaches an end I have been reflecting on all the different opportunities I have had and the wonderful people I have worked for and with.
I am also thanking God for a return to health after a pretty horrendous few months. If anybody with a bit of a cold tells me they have flu I will not be responsible for my actions …. You have been warned!
This year there have been so many wonderful celebrations with really incredible people .. The Best of Bolton Women in Business Christmas Networking lunch at Curley’s Dining rooms; the Unique Ladies Christmas Extravaganza at Bolton Whites; the Zak Vali foundation Christmas thank you and ‘ZVFsantaselfie’; the University of Bolton Carol Service and Big Sing – I was even invited to the BYPHS party (though sadly couldn’t go).
If I had known it would be this much fun I would have set up in business years ago.
But, along with the fun, running through everything there is a thread of kindness and such charitable hearts. It is all too easy to focus only on the evil in the World, particularly the heartbreaking situation in Aleppo and we do need to, and not only to think about that, but speak out! But there is so much good. I am blessed to work with the Bolton family; for whom great importance is attached to supporting those who are in need! At every one of these events there has either been money raised, gifts given, food donated for various homeless projects etc…. And I collected a mountain of Christmas crackers to give out to various projects for with their Christmas lunches! And did I mention cooking 100 Christmas puddings with the chef who created the recipe for the Savoy???
I had hoped to be spending my Christmas Day with my family and other very special people cooking and serving lunch for some of the most vulnerable in our Town. Unfortunately, for very valid reasons, this year that hasn’t happened. However, we will be part of the team helping Urban Outreach deliver over a 1000 ‘Christmas Dinner on Jesus’ hampers to brighten Christmas for others – what a privilege – and what a fantastic project. Another example of the Bolton family pulling together to make things happen! Indeed there are so many amazing projects in Bolton feeding and caring for the homeless and displaced. Let’s hope in time there will no longer be a need for them!
I want to give a special shout out to our Mayor and consort too. All ‘families’ need an example to follow and their ‘Can do’ mentality is a joy! When I asked her to support the first ever University of Bolton Relay Marathon she was on board straight away – and signed up the whole family to enter a team!
So, I wish you every blessing and, along with that, my gratitude to you all for your love, support and encouragement this year! Looking forward to working with or for you in 2017. Keep on making a positive difference in the lives of those you meet.
I will finish with one of my favourite pieces of scripture:
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)
Karen