Author: Anita

As you think about the Christmas holidays, does the word JOY come to mind? I hope so.  We have so much to be thankful for and to be joyful about.  So many times during the holiday season, other words make the top of the list instead – worry, dread, stress, etc.  But if you pause for a moment to ponder what the season is about, joy should show on your face. The days up until Christmas should not be something that we just “try to get through” and make the most of. It should be a time of enjoying family and friends and counting our blessings. 

What has been our gift this year – to those around us, to our self, to God?  What are we willing to give?  Will we show the love of Christ to others and help them to find the everlasting hope that is the greatest gift of all?  Will we share the story of Jesus with others and bring them along on the journey?  Will we share with them the peace that Jesus can bring if we let him on the boat with us?  Can we share how that even in the midst of rough waters and the storms our Savior leads us through to a brighter day?

What is your story this Christmas?  How has God touched your life in 2013?  How have you been touched by others around you? Take some time this holiday season to pause, think, and remember. 

So many people have touched my life this year.  We have had a lot of new things and new people  in our life this year – new home, new church, new friends, new school, etc.  We also continue to be blessed by longtime friends, family, and lots of memories of times spent with those that are now walking the streets of heaven.  We are blessed.  We have joy…overabundant joy. 

Let us share our joy… let us remember…

Recently, I saw a bumper sticker with the saying “Live Life with Passion; Live Life Intentionally”.  It really made me think about how we live each day, each hour, each minute, and each second.  That’s the increments we have…that add up to life.  How are you living the increments?  Sometimes we get so caught up in the waiting for the big things to happen that we completely forget to live in the moment – to enjoy what is right before us each day. 

If we live with intention, our plans and hopes can become reality.  It isn’t a big leap that gets us to a better tomorrow; it is the small steps that we can make each day.  It is the forward movement that equals great progress when you turn around to look how far you have come.  Think about a football game…there is a reason that the offense has to advance only ten yards and then they get to start over with four more downs.   It is the small strides that help them reach the goal line.   Likewise, baseball games are won many times by singles -not just the home runs.

If we focus on our priorities and live life with passion, we are doing what is important and not wasting away the minutes that turn into hours, days, and weeks.  How many times do we catch ourselves thinking “where did that month go”? We need to make the most of each day.  We need to enjoy the time we have with our family and friends today and tomorrow. 

I like the saying “schedule your priorities” instead of “prioritizing your schedule”.  Look at what you are doing…is it important to you or others around you?  Does it add value? 

Make every day count for life is made up of all our days.  Live with passion and intent and make a difference.  Make the increments count.

Do you ever wonder what kind of impact you are having on this world?  Do you think about the legacy you are creating?  All of us are impacting those around us – positively or negatively; helping others along their way or presenting obstacles that crowd their path.  Are we the boat that leads the way and sets a good example for navigating the waters of life or the one that is making waves that cause confusion, disillusion, or detriment to those around us?

So how can we increase the odds that the impact we have is positive?   One key aspect is to control the “reactions” to life around us.  People are watching each day how we react to the daily challenges of our lives – our kids, our coworkers, our friends, and even the stranger in the line at the grocery store behind us.  What drives our reactions?  Is it the hurry we are in to get to the next destination or task that causes our harsh responses?  Is it the frustration that we have with others that causes us to be disrespectful to the next person we deal with?  We cannot change or control how others treat us but we do have a choice on how we respond to them. 

If we slow down, take a deep breath, listen and think about our response and reaction to difficult situations, then the outcome will be better for all those involved.  At the same time, other eyes watching will see a great example of living a life that values others and treats people with respect.  This does not mean that we don’t stand up for ourselves to correct problems or issues but it does mean that we try to handle it in an appropriate manner that is respectful.

STOP

LISTEN

THINK

RESPOND

If we can put those first three steps in before the response…the outcome will improve and our impact on those around us at that moment will be positive.  Each of these moments adds up to a life time…of impact.

One of my favorite authors is Jon Gordon.  His life and his stories are an inspiration to “do the right thing”.  Here are a few of his thoughts on having a positive impact on others:

Smile like you mean it.
Be an encourager.
Share your gifts and talents.
Be original.
Be memorable.
Show people you care.
Be positively contagious.
Help others be their best by giving them your best.
Make memories.

 – By Jon Gordon

 

Make today a great day for yourself and those that you meet along the waters of life!