A DAY IN THE LIFE: `ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE' THIS CHRISTMAS

Well, Christmas is upon us, though it hardly looks like it if you look out your window. And I don't mean the lack of snow either.

It's a literal mess out there. Crime is still a problem -- people killing each other for the $4 they have in their wallets. Women are still raped every day in every state in the U.S. People are still driving while under the influence of alcohol even after all the people that have been killed as a result.

Just last week an autoworker in Michigan shot a woman he had been working with on the assembly line. They say he was obsessed with her. I wonder how that makes any difference to her family. How does her family make sense of her death this Christmas? These sorts of things happen every day.

And how much "comfort and joy" do you think the federal government workers who are out of a job this Christmas feel? I'd say cheated and a bit miffed would more aptly describe their feelings. Kind of takes the cheerfulness out of one's heart, don't you think? (As if the term "non-essential" isn't insulting enough.)

All because a bunch of goof-balls get into a big contest (you know what kind) and can't get down to business; they all want to be president and none of them seem to deserve it.

And it's not just a mess here at home, either.

Russia is looking to Communism again to put food in their mouths and some semblance of stability into their lives while power hungry monsters like Vladimir Zhirinovsky make promises to restore the Soviet Union to greatness.

The more things change ...

It probably doesn't feel much like Christmas to the American troops in Bosnia, either, who will spend their Christmas in a foreign land thousands of miles from their loved ones. I wonder if they're even sure why they're there. I know I'm not.

And their families left behind probably feel little like celebrating without them.

Okay, things aren't perfect, that's for sure.

While it doesn't look much like Christmas outside, pull your head inside for just a minute and look around. Maybe things aren't all bad.

In the corner is the Christmas tree, it's not real like the one Dad used to go out and chop down (nearly chopping his arm off in the process) but it's just as pretty. And remember what fun you and your family had putting it up.

And under the tree are presents. Money's a little tight but you still managed to get the kids the presents that are all the rage and Mama a new ring. (Nothing with a cord, that's the only requirement for her gift and that still makes you laugh.)

Your wife (yes, sometimes you call her "Mama") is in the kitchen whipping up a batch of eggnog and, ironically enough, standing under some mistle toe, looking as beautiful as the day you married her. What would Christmas like be without her?

Junior and Little Missie are arguing upstairs, something about who would win in a fight between the Power Rangers and Barney. But kids are kids. All kids are special but these are your kids.

There's food in the kitchen and warm covers to crawl into. You still have your health, and a good job. Sure, it doesn't pay that much, but you get by.

Tomorrow is Christmas. Let's put our troubles aside for a day and look into our own lives for what brings us joy.

Tomorrow is Christmas. Things aren't perfect, but they never are.

Tomorrow is Christmas. There are plenty of things to celebrate and be thankful for.

Tomorrow is Christmas. God bless us every one.