The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others. – Robert Baden-Powell

What do you want for Christmas?

I’m sure you’ve heard this a few times already. Or asked the kids or someone else.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting old and have too much stuff already, but I’m really trying hard not to want more stuff.

Happiness for others….now that is something I can get behind.

Let’s all make an effort to forget about what we want. For Christmas. For after Christmas. For next year.

Instead, let’s try to think more about what others want. What would make them happy?

Not in a doormat, put upon, poor me, martyred kind of way. In a selfless, joyful, peaceful, kind kind of way (yeah, two kinds in a row, my old English teachers would be so proud).

Make it a great day.

Jake

PS – For those of us who are Christians – the idea is to replace our wants with what God wants. All the time. Every time. The closer we align with His will, the better – for us.

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. – William Arthur Ward

Being thankful is the beginning of a better and more full life.

When we are thankful for what we have we transform our attitude and prepare ourselves for more of the same.

Think of an area of your life where you want to see a change.

Find something in that area to be thankful for.

Maybe an example would help.

Let’s say you wanted to save some money.

First, be thankful for whatever money you do have.

Treat that little bit as if it were a blessing that you get the opportunity to steward.

And then you will have the attitude it will take to start adding more.

Make it a great day.

Jake

One that would have the fruit must climb the tree. – Thomas Fuller

Results require action.

Jim Rohn says "some people are too busy studying the roots when they could be picking the fruit".

It’s easy to get stuck on the "how". To think of the million reasons why it could or couldn’t work. To focus on the process or what others might think.

Instead, get to work.

Get started.

Focus on the fruit.

Make it a great day.

Jake

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share. – W. Clement Stone

Being thankful is a great place to start because it reminds us that we have something to give.

We weren’t put on this earth to consume all that we can and be thankful along the way. We were made to give.

If you are thankful for all the love in your life, show it and share it.

If you are lucky enough to have a little extra money, give it away.

If you have some free time, find a place to volunteer.

There are many ways we can share this holiday season.

A great place to start is that list you think of over Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. As you think of what you are thankful for, take a moment to think of a way to share whatever it is you are thinking about.

Our real opportunity to change this place forever lies in our ability to share and give the best of ourselves with others.

What are you going to share?

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME?si=QauESz4xsK4uR-7P

Meaghan and I were lucky enough to attend a dinner for GOYA (https://goyaministries.org/).

Hearing the stories of the ministry and the children being helped was a great reminder.

A reminder that we have a lot to be thankful for.

A reminder that darkness and poverty can be met with love and hope and make a difference.

A reminder that a little bit of money and help can go a long way.

A reminder that in the midst of hardship – love, joy, peace and hope can still flourish, in spite of the circumstances.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us. A time when it’s easy to fall into the trap of running around buying things and getting wrapped up in our little world.

Instead, maybe we can send some of that money to an organization like GOYA. Maybe we can spread love and hope to those in need. Maybe we can put aside our own selfishness and let generosity rule in our hearts in its place.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away. – Arthur Helps

A kind word.

This is probably such an old person thing to say, but it sure feels like the world could use more kind words.

My best thinking right now is that it all starts with us.

Finding ways to say, think and feel more kindness.

To be the kind or person who is known to be a place to go to for kindness.

To be a light in this world.

Maybe we try it for a day. Maybe we shoot for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season to start?

Make it a great day.

Jake

We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us. – Virginia Satir

It’s easy to fall into the trap of valuing other’s opinions too much.

To allow ourselves to spend our life worrying about what others think.

To place those opinions too highly on our lists.

Make it a point to think more clearly about where your value comes from and where to look to see where you should go next.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I’ll add “unless you’re a jerk, and people who actually care about you deeply have made that very clear”. Then you should probably listen and make some changes.

If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self. – Napoleon Hill

Left to our own desires, we will ruin ourselves.

We will not do what is best for ourselves.

We must discipline our desires.

Discipline ourselves to prefer selflessness over selfishness.

My own little trick (that I’m sure everyone is tired of hearing from me) is asking "How can I help?"

I try to put that at the forefront and say it as often as I can.

Make it a great day.

Jake

I watched Inside Out 2 with Oliver yesterday. It’s a portrayal of the competing emotions and feelings a teenage girl is going through as she grows up.

It’s a funny and poignant story of the challenges of growing up.

As a parent, it was a reminder of all the struggles the kids go through. The difficulties of managing emotions, friends, learning and growth.

I was reminded of how God must look at us. Knowing all of our thoughts and struggles, he roots for us to become the best version of ourselves possible.

He loves us through it all. The ups and downs. The good decisions and bad decisions.

And it’s a reminder that everyone we interact with everyday has their own internal struggles. Both big and small.

We have an opportunity to love them the same way. To show them that we are on their side.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/X_-q9xeOgG4?si=ttM9_6hPcJqxMKCA

Always look on the bright side of life.

What a great idea.

Make it a great day.

Jake