Veterans Day

Today, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our veterans. Thank you to all who have served, past and present, for defending our freedoms and keeping us safe. Your bravery and commitment inspire us all. This Veterans Day let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to those who have given so much. Thank you, veterans! 

Perspective

 

This is not the first MMM with this title! Have you ever thought about the relationship between gratitude and perspective? Often when I am grumpy or down, the best medicine for me is perspective. Are the issues going on in my life, at that moment, really all that bad? I need to stop, look around, and remind myself of all I have to be grateful for. There is suffering, children that need a safe place, veterans that need medical/emotional care, and people without food or shelter. Most of those things I don’t have to worry about! Gratitude…

Often, we get so caught up in our own drama that we forget how good life is, or can be. Perhaps the next time you feel frustrated, annoyed, or even self-loathing consider one or two things you are grateful for in your life. It is amazing how that puts things into perspective for you.

Risk

 

I do not consider myself to be much of a risk taker.  Unfortunately, not too many things in life can be accomplished without risk.  A risk-free life might feel safe and comfortable, but it may also feel empty and lacking purpose or direction.  I can’t think of anybody that I consider successful who has not taken risks.  In fact, most have failed multiple times on their path to success.  Risk taking is even more important to leaders.  Oftentimes, leaders must take the risks that other are not willing to take. They take the risk for the team. Consider this quote…

 

"Leaders take risks. That's not to say that they are reckless, because good leaders aren't. But they don't always take the safest route. Rarely can a person break ground and play it safe at the same time."

    -John C. Maxwell - The Right to Lead

The Voice of Adventure

 

There is a rawness and a wonder to life.  Pursue it. Hunt for it. Sell out to get it. Don’t listen to the whining of those who have settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry and safe…Or you can hear the voice of adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart.  Follow God’s impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Make a difference. Sure it isn’t safe, but what is.

This MMM taken from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado.

Risk

I do not consider myself to be much of a risk taker.  Maybe that is not totally true since I am a small business owner.  Unfortunately, not much in life can be accomplished without risk.  A risk-free life might feel safe and comfortable, but it may also feel empty and lacking purpose or direction.  I cannot think of anybody that I consider successful who has not taken risks.  In fact, most have failed multiple times on their path to success.  Risk taking is even more important to leaders.  As leaders, we must often take the risks that others are not willing to take.  We take the risk for the team.  Consider these quotes…

"Progress involves risk. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first."

            - Frederick Wilcox   

"Leaders take risks. That's not to say that they are reckless, because good leaders aren't. But they don't always take the safest route. Rarely can a person break ground and play it safe at the same time."

            - John C. Maxwell - The Right to Lead

Thanksgiving 2020 in Perspective

Here we are headed into another major holiday still under the “wet blanket feeling” of the pandemic. This holiday, and Christmas soon to follow, will certainly look and feel different.    We may not be able spend time with loved ones like normal, nor will we have the excitement of public gatherings that we enjoy during the holiday season. We might be  lonely or feeling depressed. Possibly we are frustrated and overwhelmed. Whatever the case, it will be a different and potentially challenging holiday season.

As tough as things may seem, let’s keep things in perspective.  We are still blessed.   If you woke up this morning in good health with a roof over your head, you should be thankful.  If you and your family know you will  have three meals today, be grateful.  If you have the ability to see and read this message, don’t take that for granted.  If you have family and friends who love you, even though you might not get to hug them this Thursday, you are blessed.  If you have all of these things you are in a very small percentage of the world from a wealth and comfort perspective.  We may not get the holidays that we are used to, but we are blessed and should remain grateful for the things we have. Consider the real meaning of Thanksgiving and maintain perspective.  Happy Thanksgiving