2017 was a banner year for me in many ways: I accomplished most of what I wanted to do like filing the final patent application for a new type of mobility walker; I had no major medical issues; and I lived comfortably without any worry of having enough food or paying my bills. My grateful heart tells me the latter two are the most important. Not every one is that fortunate.
A few years ago I wrote an Internet article for The Humanitarian Examiner-Topeka called "Make a Difference." The theme was always something anyone could do to make this world a better place. (I finally opted for this current blog format because I could make it faith-based.) My New Year's Resolution articles always gave suggestions for positive actions that could change the world for better. Now I have just one.
For two years, I have kept a journal. In it, I try to write daily something I did to make this world a better place. That makes me take positive action to consciously accomplish that as a daily goal. It's the best self-improvement concept I can think to do, and one I'll faithfully implement.
The new year will hold many exciting things for me including a grandson from my older son and daughter-in-law, and the wedding of my youngest son. From life experience, I know those will be the best of 2018. I also know that our lives are what we make them through our choices. Mine is to live my faith as best I can, and that means honoring my New Year's resolution daily.
Happy 2018!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
The Right Time
I did something fun today. It was fun because it wasn't expected and the time was right.
In this season of gifting, it's easy to miss the simple giving that occurs year round. I'm talking about those individuals who do a little extra to make our lives easier, and those who volunteer to do the necessary things that we either can't or prefer not to do. Remembering them at Christmas is perfect.
I set out popcorn bins for the sanitation and recycle crews who make a special effort to collect my refuse nearer to my home instead of at the curb. My mail carrier is also so conscientious that he even caught and redirected a Christmas card sent to my previous home address 10 years ago! These are the obvious people to remember to thank.
But then I began to think about my church and how wonderful and blessed we are to worship there. I took boxes of gourmet chocolates to personally thank each of the five paid staff members, and wrote thank you notes to several of the volunteers who almost should have designated offices because of their countless efforts and time spent at the church.
And then I remembered, too, those who coordinate our pet pantry, organize lectors and ushers, handle the sacristy, head Sunday School education and programs, serve on our outreach and internal committees, assist with church needs, and the list goes on and on. So, I wrote a simple thank you addressed to "All the Volunteers." I asked our Parish Life Administrator to post it on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Christmas is the time to remember when the greatest gift of all was given. What better time to remember and acknowledge those who give of themselves all year? And, of course, the added bonus is that it was fun!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
In this season of gifting, it's easy to miss the simple giving that occurs year round. I'm talking about those individuals who do a little extra to make our lives easier, and those who volunteer to do the necessary things that we either can't or prefer not to do. Remembering them at Christmas is perfect.
I set out popcorn bins for the sanitation and recycle crews who make a special effort to collect my refuse nearer to my home instead of at the curb. My mail carrier is also so conscientious that he even caught and redirected a Christmas card sent to my previous home address 10 years ago! These are the obvious people to remember to thank.
But then I began to think about my church and how wonderful and blessed we are to worship there. I took boxes of gourmet chocolates to personally thank each of the five paid staff members, and wrote thank you notes to several of the volunteers who almost should have designated offices because of their countless efforts and time spent at the church.
And then I remembered, too, those who coordinate our pet pantry, organize lectors and ushers, handle the sacristy, head Sunday School education and programs, serve on our outreach and internal committees, assist with church needs, and the list goes on and on. So, I wrote a simple thank you addressed to "All the Volunteers." I asked our Parish Life Administrator to post it on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Christmas is the time to remember when the greatest gift of all was given. What better time to remember and acknowledge those who give of themselves all year? And, of course, the added bonus is that it was fun!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
The Real Christmas
Nope, it's not the apocalypse. I'm just writing a second blog in two days because Christmas is in my heart.
I didn't meet my goal to finish shopping for gifts by December 1, but for the most part, my list is complete minus a few little stocking stuffers, and my Christmas baking only has two items to go. But checking off my gift list and baking goodies isn't what put Christmas in my heart.
The real Christmas spirit came to me this year at my final church council meeting on the 27th of November. I completely forgot it was my turn to offer the devotion at the beginning of the meeting so nothing was prepared, but the first thing that popped into my head was, of course, Christmas. (As I warned fellow council members, I'm sharing a brief portion of those thoughts now in this blog.)
I didn't meet my goal to finish shopping for gifts by December 1, but for the most part, my list is complete minus a few little stocking stuffers, and my Christmas baking only has two items to go. But checking off my gift list and baking goodies isn't what put Christmas in my heart.
The real Christmas spirit came to me this year at my final church council meeting on the 27th of November. I completely forgot it was my turn to offer the devotion at the beginning of the meeting so nothing was prepared, but the first thing that popped into my head was, of course, Christmas. (As I warned fellow council members, I'm sharing a brief portion of those thoughts now in this blog.)
Hebrews 10:24 − "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds" is perhaps my favorite Bible verse. To me, it epitomizes what Jesus commanded us to do when he said, "Love one another." − John 13:34 (NIV) Mankind does that no better than at Christmastime.
This is the season when even non-Christians get into the spirit of giving and caring, but we of faith should keep that spirit year round. Showing love to our fellowman, I think, gives us a taste of God's love for us. When we give without restraint, but instead with compassion and the joy of sharing our blessings, we invoke a higher sense. For just a short time, we can feel the power and opportunity to make this world a better place. Wouldn't it be wonderful to keep Christmas in our hearts everyday?
Being Complacent
Our pastor recently gave a sermon on complacency. It's the mindset that allows others to "let somebody else do it." I keep thinking of Revelation 3:16 − "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (NIV) Wow! That means complacency, and its companion apathy, are dangerous.
There is an old saying that "if you want to get something done, ask a busy person to do it." It's true. Busy doers are the ones who get things done. Unlike those who wait for someone else to take responsibility, they adopt the Nike motto and "just do it."
Admittedly, we all are a little guilty of complacency in our lives. Personally, I know there are things I should do, but they just aren't a priority for me due to time, effort, resources or ability. But then there is something about which none of us should be complacent, and that is doing our part to make this world a better place. It can't occur without our being vested and committed.
I've mentioned previously that I keep a journal of what I do each day to make this world a better place − it's my accountability to take responsibility. Some days it's quite impactful, and on others, it's as simple as giving a compliment. It's not so much about the action, but the desire to act in a positive way. None of us knows when our final day on earth will be, and while it's difficult to live every one of them as if it were the last, we need to take responsibility and act to make it count.
Don't expect the church to be there for you if you don't support it. Don't expect peace in the world if you cannot even find it in your own heart. Don't believe that someone else will stand up for justice in your place. Don't think it's up to other people to make the world a better place. Anything worth caring about is worthy of our taking action.
So, with the season of love and caring upon us, we should each ask ourselves: What matters? and What can I do about it? We are more of an answer than we realize.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)