"Who Do You Want to Be?"

Happy New Year, Everyone! As we enter into this new year, I have a question for us to ponder…Who do you want to be in world? Think about it.

Notice, I did not ask what you want to do or what you want to achieve this year. While these are important things to think about, I am asking you to think more along the lines of what kind of person do you want to be. Do you know the answer to this question?

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Romans 5:3-5

Within about an 8-year period of time, my husband and I experienced what I can only describe as major shifts in our lives. We left fulfilling jobs that we felt truly passionate about to go to work for our family’s small business, dealing with significant health issues, and the passing of more than 30 family members and dear friends…some expected due to aging and/or illness and some very unexpected and quite shocking.

I cannot even begin to express to you how this wave of lose has affected us. Some so tender and close to my (our) heart that I just don’t have the words to be able to share. However, what I can share is that in attending (and many times, assisting with the planning of and speaking at) so many funerals and memorial services, I noticed that often times when people spoke about loved ones, their words would be so loving and impassioned.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Isn’t that what we all want? I know I sure do! It all comes down to how your love and my love affects others…and how other’s love affects us.

As we enter this new year and, actually, a new decade, let’s do so with 20/20 vision. Let’s be more mindful and intentional…living from a place of service, grace, peace, hope, joy, light, and love. Be the person the you want to be!

Happy New Year & Many Blessings!