 The holiday season is a time for us to reconnect with those that matter most to us, and to give thanks for the people who sustain us throughout the year. Whether they're in our military or our civilian family, we're reminded of just how important those relationships are. The holidays are also a time for reflection. Some will look for a deeper spiritual meaning in life. Others hunger for hope and peace. While others will be looking for direction and purpose for the coming year. With all these things to consider, plus the financial burdens and pressures we often experience during the season, it's easy for many of us to become overwhelmed. I challenge and encourage you to focus this year on the priceless gifts that endure. Kindness, friendship, and love. For many of us, these joyous holidays can be an acute reminder of those from whom we are separated. Whether by distance, deployment, or even death, those loved ones not now with us leave a profound void. Thus this season can be a perfect time for sharing graciously our many blessings with others around us who might be missing someone dear to them. We can best represent the spirit of this season by reaching out with an attitude of peace and hospitality, particularly to our single sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and our partner soldiers and airmen unable to return home. And always to those families patiently waiting on the home front for their loved ones to safely return. For those of you who are far from loved ones, whether you're a float or a shore, and especially if you're in harm's way, my prayer is that God will hold you close through these challenging times while you're away from your family in the comforts of home. Wherever you're celebrating, whatever your faith tradition may be, may you be filled with the spirit of this season, a spirit of hope that fills over into the new year. Happy holidays.