Good morning & happy Monday!
“The joy is in the journey, not the destination. We have a better chance of seeing where we are when we stop trying to get somewhere else.”
– John Bingham, author
My friends, a few weeks ago my wife and I had the joy of welcoming our 2nd grandchild to the world.
There are few things in life that give you a better perspective than holding a newborn precious baby in your arms.
When we look into the eyes of a baby, I think we have to realize the incredible gift that life is and the tremendous opportunity we all have to make an impact in the world we are in.
My friends, you and I are alive and breathing right now. I believe it is not an accident that God put us on this earth for this time. We have valuable, meaningful contributions to make in the lives of our family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, neighbors, communities, and the world.
In a world that has so many problems, our minds can so quickly and naturally go to negative things. China, the national debt, Russia, Ukraine, the southern border, inflation, monetary policy, crime, the economy, recession, the debt ceiling, you name it … the entire media industry makes a living shoving that crap down our throats, but I’ll address that another Monday morning memo (stay tuned 😊).
If you are anything like me, it is so easy to get discoursed with everything that is going on in the world. At times it seems like the entire world is completely out of control! And frankly, it seems like there is not a lot that you and I can do about it. There are crazy, confused, evil people that are in our society … there always have been, and always will be. We can’t change that; we can’t control that. What we can change and do have control over is our attention, our attitude, our perspective, and our actions.
We may not be able to change the world, but we can change how we see the world and thus change our world. And I believe that if we change how we see the world that can transform the world.
On this topic, one of my favorite quotes is from Mother Teresa:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
My friends, we get one shot at this life. Whether you are a few days old like my grandson, or at the midlife point (like me, yikes!), or you are on the later years of life’s journey, I believe we all have a reason for being here and a purpose to pursue.
Each one of us has a unique, special contribution to make to this world. We have different circles we run in, unique perspectives to share, and a life story that is unlike anyone who has ever lived before or will ever live again. What do we choose to do with that gift?
I am so grateful that you are in my life … I am blessed to work with amazing people who are making this world a better place. What a privilege it is for me to serve you as we impact the world together!
My life is better because you are in it.
If there is any way I can support you along your journey, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Make it a great week ahead!