An Opportunity for Opportunites

“In the middle of every difficulty…comes opportunity.
- Albert Einstein

***

POINT TO PONDER:

Adversity and problems are a part of life!  Are life problems really problems or could they offer us something?  Could our problems be opportunities in disguise?   If so, how could one ever find opportunity in the midst of adversity? Opportunity’s genesis comes from facing problems with faith, patience, and doing the work!
 

One must have faith that something good will come from adversity.  If you look back upon troubling times in your life, in every case you should be able to identify a life lesson that presented itself, an area of personal growth and development that occurred, and/or doors that were opened as a result of the adversity you endured.  One must be patient.  Most times, opportunities that spawn from adversity will not present itself for days, weeks, or even years to come.  Finally, one must do the work!  Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”  It’s not until you are in the midst of solving your problem (doing the work) that opportunity will have a chance to come your way.
 

When one is suffering through adversity how does one maintain faith, patience and the strength to do the work?  Here’s a little advice – Reach Out!  Reach out to family and friends, and most importantly, reach out to the Good Lord above.  Instead of telling people how big your problems are – tell them how big your God is.  When you tell people how big your God is you’re putting your trust in him and demonstrating steadfast faith - faith that something good will indeed come.  In Ecclesiastes 3 we are told, “For every season there is a purpose under heaven.”  The verses continue on to tell us we will experience both good times and bad times; yet, both do have a purpose.  Finally, you have to do the work!  The Good Lord has equipped you with talent and abilities to overcome any and all adversity.  He has giving you all that you need – you just have to be willing to do the work! 

Always remember, adversity becomes an opportunity for opportunities! 

It’s your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD

***

Your Eulogy

“When wealth is lost nothing is lost.  When character is lost all is lost.”
- Billy Graham

***
Unfortunately, I have been to a number of funeral/memorial services in my lifetime.  How many times have you heard that a funeral/memorial service is intended to be a celebration of the life of the decedent?  It is through the eulogy that one’s life is examined and celebrated.   A eulogy is typically an oration honoring the decedent.  The honor focuses on the character of the person.  Rarely will your hear stories about of the material things in their life.  Things like money, houses, trophies, and awards, just to name a few, all become insignificant.   The things that you can’t take with you into the next life all become meaningless.
  

I was taught at a very young age that anything that you possess can be taken away from you, except your character.  It’s your character that you and you alone possess.  It’s your character that you’re responsible for and must safeguard.  At the time of death, everything is taken away, except your character.  Hence, your character will be the only thing that you will take with you into your next life. 

It is only fitting that as we honor our loved one we don’t speak of the meaningless things in their life.  They are honored by speaking of things that really mean something – things that transcends one life to the next.  We hear stories about love, kindness, gentleness.  We hear phrases like, “an awesome father,” “a loving mother,” or “my best friend.”   We hear words like “giving,” “dedicated,” and “loyal.”

My question to you:  When it comes time for your eulogy will it be like the reading of a resume and a financial statement?  If so, it is because you decided to spend more time building a resume and wealth than you did building character.  Nobody knows what our next life holds.  We do know that there is only one thing that we take with us and that is our character.  Therefore, all of us should be engaged in doing things that enhance our character.  Not only so we are well-equipped for our next journey, but it’s the right thing to do!   When we become a better person, we become a better spouse, parent, child, relative, friend, neighbor, employee – the list goes on.   When you become a better person, you make those around you better and the world becomes a better place.   Talk about a win-win situation all around: you become better, others become better and the world becomes better – that’s pretty tough to beat!

It’s your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD

A Vicious Circle

"We first make our attitudes; then, our attitudes make us."
-- Dennis Waitley

***

Chances are you know a few people with a bad attitude.  They believe that life is neither fair nor kind.  They don't understand their "bad" life is a direct result of their bad attitude.  They would rather blame fate, circumstances, and others for their lot in life. Since they believe they are not responsible for their situation, they don't feel they need to change.  Hence, the bad attitude creates the "bad" life and the "bad" life reinforces the bad attitude.  It is a vicious circle!!

It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD