“Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”
-- 1 John 3:18
***
Fall is in the air; cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and, oh yes, football season! Football season ushers in bonfires, tailgates, and cookouts throughout the weekend. Each weekend, thousands of football games are played from the high school level through the pro ranks. Typically, professional football games are scheduled on Sundays, college football is reserved for Saturdays, and high school stadiums are alive on Friday nights. No other sport attracts more spectators week in and week out like football.
To me, the very best football takes place under the lights on Friday night. Sure college and pro football is exciting, but if you want to watch two teams playing for the spirit of the game, you need to go no further than your local high school. On Friday night, you will not find players with exorbitant contracts; you will not sit through television timeouts; and you are not likely to find much of the narcissistic behavior that is so prevalent on Saturdays and Sundays.
On Friday nights you will find kids playing for the love of the game, not for money and fame. You will find players with a wide range of abilities – some very good players and some not so good. It is Friday night, not Saturday or Sunday, that you are likely to witness the best display of character and sportsmanship. On September 24, 2010 at a high school football game in the State of Washington, the unlikely occurred. A player with Down Syndrome became the center of attention when he scored his team’s only touchdown. The touchdown was a culmination of character and sportsmanship displayed by both teams.
The story of Ike Ditzenberger depicts everything that is right about high school athletics. With 10 seconds left to play in a 35-0 football contest, Ike Ditzenberger scampered 51 yards for his team’s only touchdown. Ike a junior at Snohomish High School (WA) was called into the game to run the last play of the game. Coach Mark Perry called the “Ike Special”; a running play designed for Ike to carry the football. Ike was well familiar with the play since his team ends each practice with the running of the “Ike Special.”
The players from the opposing team, Lake Stevens, demonstrated the true meaning of sportsmanship. They gave up a shut-out to allow Ike Ditzenberger an opportunity to score a touchdown. Ike fell in love with football watching his older brothers play the game. For Ike, scoring a touchdown would be a dream come true. Lake Stevens players chased Ike all over the field, making his long touchdown run possible. When Ike crossed the goal line he was surrounded by his teammates. It was not long before Ike burst into a touchdown dance with his teammates. On that September night, Ike Ditzenberger’s dream came true. The coaches and players from both schools stepped outside of themselves and the game to give one player a special moment in time.
Ike Ditzenberger’s story is not just a story about a touchdown. It is a story about inclusion; it is story about compassion; and it is story about character and sportsmanship. You are not likely to hear many stories like the “Ike Special” at a collegiate or professional game. No, the “Ike Specials” take place on Friday nights. If you are looking for some good, hometown, entertainment, take in a high school football game, who knows, you just might witness something “special.”
To see Ike’s touchdown run visit:
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Heal the World
“Heal the world – make it a better place – for you and for me and the entire human race.”
-- Michael Jackson
***
In 1991 Michael Jackson released the song Heal the World. It has been reported the Jackson maintained that out of all of the songs he recorded, he was most proud of Heal the World. Heal the World speaks to the heart of what each us can do to heal the world; we just need to care! In the song Jackson says, “There are ways to get there if you care enough for the living, make a little space, make a better place.”
The world is more in need of healing today than it was in 1991 when Michael Jackson recorded the song. The world is broken and is in need of healing. You do not need to look any further than the daily news: war, poverty, starvation, homelessness, disease, discrimination, corruption, hatred, murder, violence and drugs. How did we get here? Our society has been transformed from a “culture of we” to a “culture of me.” Too many people have stopped caring about one another; they only care about what is best for them. Do not get me wrong there are several good, kind, and caring people in the world – just not enough!
It is the responsibility of all to hand off to the generations to come a world better than they way we found it. We will never create a better world if we choose to care only about ourselves. Malcom Forbes once said, "People who matter are most aware that everyone else does, too." We need to put the brakes on this “culture of me” and get back to the “culture of we.” Why, because there is strength in numbers. It has been said, “Individually we are but one drop, together we are an ocean.” Keep in mind, one drop can easily dry up, whereas oceans will endure. If we choose to continue to live like one drop, the world will never heal.
I ask you, can you care just a little bit more? Ask yourself, what can I do to heal the world? It does not take some extraordinary event on your part. No, it just takes a little bit love; love for one another. Love is something we have an endless supply of. Since you can never run out of love, why not give more. Remember, the Good Lord taught us the second greatest commandment is “to love your neighbor as yourself” – Mark 12:31. Let us all begin today by loving our neighbor so we can start healing the world one encounter at a time!
Do your part - Heal the World!
Happy Birthday – Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009)
Watch Heal the World performed by Judith Hill at Michael Jackson’s memorial service by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwARI0VV5hY&feature=player_embedded
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
-- Michael Jackson
***
In 1991 Michael Jackson released the song Heal the World. It has been reported the Jackson maintained that out of all of the songs he recorded, he was most proud of Heal the World. Heal the World speaks to the heart of what each us can do to heal the world; we just need to care! In the song Jackson says, “There are ways to get there if you care enough for the living, make a little space, make a better place.”
The world is more in need of healing today than it was in 1991 when Michael Jackson recorded the song. The world is broken and is in need of healing. You do not need to look any further than the daily news: war, poverty, starvation, homelessness, disease, discrimination, corruption, hatred, murder, violence and drugs. How did we get here? Our society has been transformed from a “culture of we” to a “culture of me.” Too many people have stopped caring about one another; they only care about what is best for them. Do not get me wrong there are several good, kind, and caring people in the world – just not enough!
It is the responsibility of all to hand off to the generations to come a world better than they way we found it. We will never create a better world if we choose to care only about ourselves. Malcom Forbes once said, "People who matter are most aware that everyone else does, too." We need to put the brakes on this “culture of me” and get back to the “culture of we.” Why, because there is strength in numbers. It has been said, “Individually we are but one drop, together we are an ocean.” Keep in mind, one drop can easily dry up, whereas oceans will endure. If we choose to continue to live like one drop, the world will never heal.
I ask you, can you care just a little bit more? Ask yourself, what can I do to heal the world? It does not take some extraordinary event on your part. No, it just takes a little bit love; love for one another. Love is something we have an endless supply of. Since you can never run out of love, why not give more. Remember, the Good Lord taught us the second greatest commandment is “to love your neighbor as yourself” – Mark 12:31. Let us all begin today by loving our neighbor so we can start healing the world one encounter at a time!
Do your part - Heal the World!
Happy Birthday – Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009)
Watch Heal the World performed by Judith Hill at Michael Jackson’s memorial service by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwARI0VV5hY&feature=player_embedded
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Luck - Preparation Meets Opportunity
I'm a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it.
-- Thomas Jefferson
***
Why is it that some people seem luckier than others? Why do some people always seem to be in the right spot at the right time? Do you believe in Luck? Webster’s Dictionary defines luck as “An event, good or ill, regarded as occurring by chance or fate.” It is true; some people seem to have their fair share of good fortune, while others seem to attract ill fortune.
So, if you believe in luck, you have to take the good with the bad – both good luck and bad luck. What causes a person to be lucky or unlucky? Luck, good or bad, will be determined by preparation and opportunity. Preparation is the antecedent. Opportunity is about timing. So, luck is really about preparation, good or ill, meeting opportunity.
Preparation is about doing the work. It is about rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty. Preparation is a willingness to do the work, being disciplined, and acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. If you have prepared properly, when an opportunity presents itself, you will have put yourself in a good position to experience good fortune. Some might attribute your good fortune to luck. They are quick to say, “he/she is always lucky.” These people do not understand luck. These people fail to recognize and/or appreciate the preparation that preceded your good fortune. They fail to see the sweat and toil you endured; the discipline and perseverance you underwent; and the time and sacrifice you put forth.
Conversely, when an opportunity presents itself and you are ill-prepared, the opportunity seems to quickly vanish. Opportunities come and go quickly. Hence, you must be prepared. If not, you are going to “miss the boat” and the boat is not likely to come around your way again. Understand, you will not be in a position to tell the boat to wait while you go get prepared. Those that miss the boat fail to see the importance of preparation and prefer to blame it on “another case of bad luck.”
Opportunity is about timing. The timing has to be right and everything has to line up accordingly. Opportunity is manifested in two ways: self created and random. A self-created opportunity is about doing the right things (preparation) so that over time you create the opportunity. You position yourself so that when the work is done the opportunity presents itself. Is the young executive that quickly ascends the corporate ladder lucky, or has he/she done the work. Chances are they have done the work! The young executive was willing to do the work while his/her colleagues were sleeping (figuratively).
A random opportunity is simply about being in the right spot at the right time. Winning the lottery is about being in the right spot at the right time – a random opportunity. It is about purchasing a ticket at the right store at the right time. Even though the purchase of the winning ticket is considered to be random event, one cannot overlook the importance of doing the work to be in the right spot at the right time. You have to be willing to go to a vendor to purchase a ticket. And, you have to be willing to part with your money, knowing the odds are not in your favor (between 16 million to 1 and 120 million to 1, depending upon the game you play). The point is simple; if you are not willing to do the work (do what it takes to play the game), you cannot create an opportunity to win.
There you have it! Luck is about preparation meeting opportunity. It is about work and timing. You may not be able to control timing, but you certainly can control doing the work. Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonalds, says it best, “Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat the luckier you get.” Today is the day to start creating your own good luck; expect good things to happen, do the work, and in due time the opportunity will present itself!
“Good luck creating good luck,” or should I say, “Good luck with your preparation meeting opportunity,”
***
It's your life: live it, love it, celebrate it!
MJD
-- Thomas Jefferson
***
Why is it that some people seem luckier than others? Why do some people always seem to be in the right spot at the right time? Do you believe in Luck? Webster’s Dictionary defines luck as “An event, good or ill, regarded as occurring by chance or fate.” It is true; some people seem to have their fair share of good fortune, while others seem to attract ill fortune.
So, if you believe in luck, you have to take the good with the bad – both good luck and bad luck. What causes a person to be lucky or unlucky? Luck, good or bad, will be determined by preparation and opportunity. Preparation is the antecedent. Opportunity is about timing. So, luck is really about preparation, good or ill, meeting opportunity.
Preparation is about doing the work. It is about rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty. Preparation is a willingness to do the work, being disciplined, and acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. If you have prepared properly, when an opportunity presents itself, you will have put yourself in a good position to experience good fortune. Some might attribute your good fortune to luck. They are quick to say, “he/she is always lucky.” These people do not understand luck. These people fail to recognize and/or appreciate the preparation that preceded your good fortune. They fail to see the sweat and toil you endured; the discipline and perseverance you underwent; and the time and sacrifice you put forth.
Conversely, when an opportunity presents itself and you are ill-prepared, the opportunity seems to quickly vanish. Opportunities come and go quickly. Hence, you must be prepared. If not, you are going to “miss the boat” and the boat is not likely to come around your way again. Understand, you will not be in a position to tell the boat to wait while you go get prepared. Those that miss the boat fail to see the importance of preparation and prefer to blame it on “another case of bad luck.”
Opportunity is about timing. The timing has to be right and everything has to line up accordingly. Opportunity is manifested in two ways: self created and random. A self-created opportunity is about doing the right things (preparation) so that over time you create the opportunity. You position yourself so that when the work is done the opportunity presents itself. Is the young executive that quickly ascends the corporate ladder lucky, or has he/she done the work. Chances are they have done the work! The young executive was willing to do the work while his/her colleagues were sleeping (figuratively).
A random opportunity is simply about being in the right spot at the right time. Winning the lottery is about being in the right spot at the right time – a random opportunity. It is about purchasing a ticket at the right store at the right time. Even though the purchase of the winning ticket is considered to be random event, one cannot overlook the importance of doing the work to be in the right spot at the right time. You have to be willing to go to a vendor to purchase a ticket. And, you have to be willing to part with your money, knowing the odds are not in your favor (between 16 million to 1 and 120 million to 1, depending upon the game you play). The point is simple; if you are not willing to do the work (do what it takes to play the game), you cannot create an opportunity to win.
There you have it! Luck is about preparation meeting opportunity. It is about work and timing. You may not be able to control timing, but you certainly can control doing the work. Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonalds, says it best, “Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat the luckier you get.” Today is the day to start creating your own good luck; expect good things to happen, do the work, and in due time the opportunity will present itself!
“Good luck creating good luck,” or should I say, “Good luck with your preparation meeting opportunity,”
***
It's your life: live it, love it, celebrate it!
MJD
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Are You Contagious?
“A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.”
-- Tom Stoppard
***
Recently, I heard a colleague say they had just come from the doctor’s office and were diagnosed with a viral infection. Someone asked “Are you contagious?” The colleague advised, “You should probably keep your distance, I still might be. Hearing the word “contagious” and not wanting to be affected (infected) by my colleagues condition, I decided to distance myself.
Distancing myself, I began thinking about our contagious effects. I thought about how just being in the presence of others can affect others. Contagious comes from the word “contagion.” A contagion is anything that has the tendency to spread. Contagions are not limited to the biological realm (spreading of viruses and bacteria). Our behavior and actions have a contagious effect too. So I ask you “Are you contagious?” Are you conscious of the affect your attitude and behavior has on others? Or, do you just go about your day affecting people you come in contact without much thought or consideration?
You can catch more than a virus or bacteria from someone else. A person’s bad mood and negative attitude will have an affect on those around them. The more exposure you have to negative person the more likely you are to display negative tendencies. One employee in your office, one player on your team, or one person in your group is capable of creating negative environment for all. One’s attitude definitely affects others! A rude waiter can ruin your dinner. A complaining co-worker can disrupt the office environment. A cantankerous relative can cut short the family outing - the list goes on.
There is good news! Positive attitudes are contagious too. Think about it – a smile really is contagious. It is hard not to smile when somebody smiles at you. Do you not feel somewhat energized in the presence of an enthusiastic person? What type of affect does an affable person have upon you? Being around positive people certainly has a positive effect.
It is not only important to think about how your attitude and behavior affect (infects) others, it is also important to think about how you allow the attitude and behavior of others to affect (infect) you. Pay close attention to those around you. Some associations you can choose, others, like you work co-workers, you are sort of stuck with. When you choose, choose people who will have a positive affect on you. If you happen to be stuck with a “Negative Nellie” or a “Pouting Paul” distance yourself as much as possible and keep your guard up by maintaining a positive attitude. The Good Book reminds us that keeping poor company will destroy good character - 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Remember, you are not an island. Your attitudes, both good and bad, not only affect you, but have an affect on a multitude of others. So I ask you “Are you contagious?” Are spreading a good attitude or a bad attitude. If you are one of those people who have a bad attitude, please stay home because nobody wants want you have.
***
It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD!
-- Tom Stoppard
***
Recently, I heard a colleague say they had just come from the doctor’s office and were diagnosed with a viral infection. Someone asked “Are you contagious?” The colleague advised, “You should probably keep your distance, I still might be. Hearing the word “contagious” and not wanting to be affected (infected) by my colleagues condition, I decided to distance myself.
Distancing myself, I began thinking about our contagious effects. I thought about how just being in the presence of others can affect others. Contagious comes from the word “contagion.” A contagion is anything that has the tendency to spread. Contagions are not limited to the biological realm (spreading of viruses and bacteria). Our behavior and actions have a contagious effect too. So I ask you “Are you contagious?” Are you conscious of the affect your attitude and behavior has on others? Or, do you just go about your day affecting people you come in contact without much thought or consideration?
You can catch more than a virus or bacteria from someone else. A person’s bad mood and negative attitude will have an affect on those around them. The more exposure you have to negative person the more likely you are to display negative tendencies. One employee in your office, one player on your team, or one person in your group is capable of creating negative environment for all. One’s attitude definitely affects others! A rude waiter can ruin your dinner. A complaining co-worker can disrupt the office environment. A cantankerous relative can cut short the family outing - the list goes on.
There is good news! Positive attitudes are contagious too. Think about it – a smile really is contagious. It is hard not to smile when somebody smiles at you. Do you not feel somewhat energized in the presence of an enthusiastic person? What type of affect does an affable person have upon you? Being around positive people certainly has a positive effect.
It is not only important to think about how your attitude and behavior affect (infects) others, it is also important to think about how you allow the attitude and behavior of others to affect (infect) you. Pay close attention to those around you. Some associations you can choose, others, like you work co-workers, you are sort of stuck with. When you choose, choose people who will have a positive affect on you. If you happen to be stuck with a “Negative Nellie” or a “Pouting Paul” distance yourself as much as possible and keep your guard up by maintaining a positive attitude. The Good Book reminds us that keeping poor company will destroy good character - 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Remember, you are not an island. Your attitudes, both good and bad, not only affect you, but have an affect on a multitude of others. So I ask you “Are you contagious?” Are spreading a good attitude or a bad attitude. If you are one of those people who have a bad attitude, please stay home because nobody wants want you have.
***
It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Your Wish is Your Command
“The absolutely awesome incredible power of belief is the genie in your life.” ~ Eldon Taylor
***
In most stories and tales about magical lamps and genies, a genie emerges from the lamp and offers to grant three wishes to whoever finds (rubs) the magical lamp. The genie is often quick to admonish that you cannot wish for more wishes. It is always three wishes; no more, no less. Perhaps, no story depicts this better than the 1992 Disney animated film, Aladdin. After Aladdin finds the lamp, the genie advises Aladdin there is a wish restriction. The genie says, “Three wishes, to be exact. And, ixnay on the wishing for more wishes. That's all. Three. Uno, dos, tres. No substitutions, exchanges or refunds.”
In the world of make believe, it is always just three wishes. Not so in the real world! There are no wish restrictions. In addition, we have no need to seach for a magic lamp. Each one of us already has a genie and our genie is with us for life. It is just too bad we do not understand the power of our genie and rely on our genie more often. Your genie has the power to grant your wishes; and there are no wish restrictions.
Our genie is our beliefs – what we believe. The power of our genie is dependent solely upon the strength of your beliefs. The more you believe the more power your genie possesses. Likewise, the more power the genie possesses the more likely your wishes will come true. Conversely, if belief is lacking, your genie is powerless, and your wishes will likely never come true.
Belief is a powerful thing. No man or woman has ever accomplished anything great without first believing it was possible. Belief is what turns a wish into reality. It has the power to the turn the intangible into the tangible; the abstract into the concrete.
Today is the day to awaken the genie within you. Your genie is ready to go to work and accomplish great things for you. There is no magic lamp to rub, no wish limitations. All you have to do is believe. Remember, in order to achieve you must first believe. Hence, your wish really can be your command.
If you want to double your chances of your wishes coming true, listen to what the Good Book says, “ And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” -- Matthew 21:22
***
It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
***
In most stories and tales about magical lamps and genies, a genie emerges from the lamp and offers to grant three wishes to whoever finds (rubs) the magical lamp. The genie is often quick to admonish that you cannot wish for more wishes. It is always three wishes; no more, no less. Perhaps, no story depicts this better than the 1992 Disney animated film, Aladdin. After Aladdin finds the lamp, the genie advises Aladdin there is a wish restriction. The genie says, “Three wishes, to be exact. And, ixnay on the wishing for more wishes. That's all. Three. Uno, dos, tres. No substitutions, exchanges or refunds.”
In the world of make believe, it is always just three wishes. Not so in the real world! There are no wish restrictions. In addition, we have no need to seach for a magic lamp. Each one of us already has a genie and our genie is with us for life. It is just too bad we do not understand the power of our genie and rely on our genie more often. Your genie has the power to grant your wishes; and there are no wish restrictions.
Our genie is our beliefs – what we believe. The power of our genie is dependent solely upon the strength of your beliefs. The more you believe the more power your genie possesses. Likewise, the more power the genie possesses the more likely your wishes will come true. Conversely, if belief is lacking, your genie is powerless, and your wishes will likely never come true.
Belief is a powerful thing. No man or woman has ever accomplished anything great without first believing it was possible. Belief is what turns a wish into reality. It has the power to the turn the intangible into the tangible; the abstract into the concrete.
Today is the day to awaken the genie within you. Your genie is ready to go to work and accomplish great things for you. There is no magic lamp to rub, no wish limitations. All you have to do is believe. Remember, in order to achieve you must first believe. Hence, your wish really can be your command.
If you want to double your chances of your wishes coming true, listen to what the Good Book says, “ And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” -- Matthew 21:22
***
It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, June 9, 2011
It's Too Hot!
“Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
~Chinese Proverb
***
There is no doubt about the weather being unpredictable in the great State of Michigan. You have heard it said, “If you don’t like the weather in Michigan, wait five minutes.” The saying is indicative of the fickleness of “Mother Nature” here in the Wolverine State. Case in point: Less than a week ago the temperatures were in the 60’s, the last couple of days the mercury hit the mid-90’s, and now forecaster are predicting the upper 60’s in the coming days.
The weather in Michigan can be enigmatic. This year the vernal equinox (spring) began March 20th. Spring is characterized by a gradual transition from the cold, harshness of the winter winds to the warm, softness of summer breezes. However, this year, somebody forgot to remind Mother Nature of spring’s annual role. This spring was the coldest, wettest spring that I can remember. April Showers are supposed to bring May flowers. This year, lots of April showers brought May showers and more May showers and more May showers. I cannot tell you how many times this spring I have heard people complain about the weather; rain and cold, rain and cold, rain and cold! All spring, I heard people saying things like, “It’s too cold,” “It’s too rainy,” “I wish it would warm up,” or “This has been a horrible spring.”
Yes, “Mother Nature” was not so kind to us “Michiganians” or “Michiganders” (whatever demonym you prefer) this spring. Yes, we all waited patiently for the warm weather to arrive. And, yes the warm weather is now here. But now, it is too hot! Now, people are complaining it is too hot. How quickly they forget that less than a week ago they were begging and praying for warmer weather. Now, it is too hot! Instead of being thankful that we can say good-bye to a miserable spring, now, it is too hot!
Is it really too hot, or are some people not happy unless they have something to complain about? Lets see, cold and wet – complain; hot and dry – complain. For you complainers, please do not tell us when it is too hot or too cold. We can make that decision for ourselves.
For you complainers, there are things that you can control and things that you cannot control – please understand the difference. Accept the things that you cannot control (like the weather) and make the best of the situation. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in your negative spin. For the things you can control, do something about it. Nothing will change unless you are willing to take action. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in hearing you complain about something you can fix, but choose to do nothing about it.
Are you a constant complainer? Do you have a permanent seat on the “complain train?” Remember, except for God’s love for us, nothing in life will ever be completely perfect. So, it is time that you really start appreciating life, even with its imperfections. Do not complain about what you have or what you don’t have. Be thankful! The opposite of complain is gratitude. You can complain and wallow in negativity and lack, or you can practice gratitude and bask in happiness and abundance. The choice is yours!
Young children are taught say to thank you upon receiving a gift. Children learn that demonstrating a lack of appreciation can be offensive to the gift giver. More importantly, a child should never complain about a gift received. Remember, each day is gift from God. Spending the day complaining is offensive to the gift giver. I urge you to make it a daily habit to practice gratitude. You can begin by reciting each morning, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad.” – Psalms 118:24
This truly is the day the Lord hath made. It may be 95 degrees, but you will not hear me complaining. And no, it is not too hot!
***
It is your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD
~Chinese Proverb
***
There is no doubt about the weather being unpredictable in the great State of Michigan. You have heard it said, “If you don’t like the weather in Michigan, wait five minutes.” The saying is indicative of the fickleness of “Mother Nature” here in the Wolverine State. Case in point: Less than a week ago the temperatures were in the 60’s, the last couple of days the mercury hit the mid-90’s, and now forecaster are predicting the upper 60’s in the coming days.
The weather in Michigan can be enigmatic. This year the vernal equinox (spring) began March 20th. Spring is characterized by a gradual transition from the cold, harshness of the winter winds to the warm, softness of summer breezes. However, this year, somebody forgot to remind Mother Nature of spring’s annual role. This spring was the coldest, wettest spring that I can remember. April Showers are supposed to bring May flowers. This year, lots of April showers brought May showers and more May showers and more May showers. I cannot tell you how many times this spring I have heard people complain about the weather; rain and cold, rain and cold, rain and cold! All spring, I heard people saying things like, “It’s too cold,” “It’s too rainy,” “I wish it would warm up,” or “This has been a horrible spring.”
Yes, “Mother Nature” was not so kind to us “Michiganians” or “Michiganders” (whatever demonym you prefer) this spring. Yes, we all waited patiently for the warm weather to arrive. And, yes the warm weather is now here. But now, it is too hot! Now, people are complaining it is too hot. How quickly they forget that less than a week ago they were begging and praying for warmer weather. Now, it is too hot! Instead of being thankful that we can say good-bye to a miserable spring, now, it is too hot!
Is it really too hot, or are some people not happy unless they have something to complain about? Lets see, cold and wet – complain; hot and dry – complain. For you complainers, please do not tell us when it is too hot or too cold. We can make that decision for ourselves.
For you complainers, there are things that you can control and things that you cannot control – please understand the difference. Accept the things that you cannot control (like the weather) and make the best of the situation. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in your negative spin. For the things you can control, do something about it. Nothing will change unless you are willing to take action. And, oh yes, do it without complaining. We are not interested in hearing you complain about something you can fix, but choose to do nothing about it.
Are you a constant complainer? Do you have a permanent seat on the “complain train?” Remember, except for God’s love for us, nothing in life will ever be completely perfect. So, it is time that you really start appreciating life, even with its imperfections. Do not complain about what you have or what you don’t have. Be thankful! The opposite of complain is gratitude. You can complain and wallow in negativity and lack, or you can practice gratitude and bask in happiness and abundance. The choice is yours!
Young children are taught say to thank you upon receiving a gift. Children learn that demonstrating a lack of appreciation can be offensive to the gift giver. More importantly, a child should never complain about a gift received. Remember, each day is gift from God. Spending the day complaining is offensive to the gift giver. I urge you to make it a daily habit to practice gratitude. You can begin by reciting each morning, “This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad.” – Psalms 118:24
This truly is the day the Lord hath made. It may be 95 degrees, but you will not hear me complaining. And no, it is not too hot!
***
It is your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD
Monday, June 6, 2011
A Blessing in Disguise
“What seems to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.”
~Oscar Wilde
***
Trials are difficult! Trials can cause anxiety and suffering. Trials can result in loss and separation. Trials can leave you feeling disappointed, hurt and/or frustrated. So, how could one ever find blessing from a trial? You are not likely to find a blessing from trial unless you have faith; faith that there will be a blessing. You have to believe that every adversity has within it an opportunity. The key is to believe. When you believe in something, you create an expectation. The expectation causes an awakening. Soon you begin looking for what you expect. Why do so many people miss the blessing in a trial? It is because they are not looking for it. It is really quite simple; you cannot find something unless you are willing to search for it.
Believe it or not, we create most of the trials in our life. We create the trials in our lives, because we are the ones in control of our lives. Some trials, like the loss of a love one or the physical/emotional suffering of a loved are surely beyond our control. But, most trials are created by the decisions we make or have made. Some decisions have an immediate effect; a decision is made and the trial commences soon thereafter. Other decisions have a delayed effect. The trial may not appear for days, months, or years. Since we create our trial(s), it is up to us to accept responsibility for our trial(s). It is only when you accept responsibility for your trial(s) that you can begin moving forward with ending the trial(s). Sure, the initial outcome may not always be pleasant. But, those with faith, know that the blessing in disguise will be revealed in due time. Remember, the Good Book tells us, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” – Romans 5:3.
So, the next time you are experiencing a trial know that your trial is a blessing in disguise. Have faith and be patient. An old Chinese proverb says it best, “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
~Oscar Wilde
***
Trials are difficult! Trials can cause anxiety and suffering. Trials can result in loss and separation. Trials can leave you feeling disappointed, hurt and/or frustrated. So, how could one ever find blessing from a trial? You are not likely to find a blessing from trial unless you have faith; faith that there will be a blessing. You have to believe that every adversity has within it an opportunity. The key is to believe. When you believe in something, you create an expectation. The expectation causes an awakening. Soon you begin looking for what you expect. Why do so many people miss the blessing in a trial? It is because they are not looking for it. It is really quite simple; you cannot find something unless you are willing to search for it.
Believe it or not, we create most of the trials in our life. We create the trials in our lives, because we are the ones in control of our lives. Some trials, like the loss of a love one or the physical/emotional suffering of a loved are surely beyond our control. But, most trials are created by the decisions we make or have made. Some decisions have an immediate effect; a decision is made and the trial commences soon thereafter. Other decisions have a delayed effect. The trial may not appear for days, months, or years. Since we create our trial(s), it is up to us to accept responsibility for our trial(s). It is only when you accept responsibility for your trial(s) that you can begin moving forward with ending the trial(s). Sure, the initial outcome may not always be pleasant. But, those with faith, know that the blessing in disguise will be revealed in due time. Remember, the Good Book tells us, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” – Romans 5:3.
So, the next time you are experiencing a trial know that your trial is a blessing in disguise. Have faith and be patient. An old Chinese proverb says it best, “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
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