Pause and Reflect
Gratitude and the heart,
A clear connection...
Existing between the two.
Authentic, sincere, personal...
Truly felt - open.
The impact of gratitude...
More than "I'm thankful because..."
Less about what you do,
More about what you are.
Gratitude transforms lives.
Recipients of things we do not deserve.
Attention directed to what we already have...
Of the good things we possess.
A value we can own - never cheapened.
Eyes turned away from discontent,
Fostering thankfulness in our hearts.
Hearts open to a meaningful life...
One that provides an understanding.
Gratitude in your heart...
A decision, not a response.
Take time to pause and reflect.
…Happy Thanksgiving…
Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…
This past Sunday, our pastor, in his sermon, alluded to the idea of what true friendship really is and is not. As I listened and thought about that idea this week, as always… “it got me to thinking.”
We all have friendships in our lives. They come and go, change, etc. As I look back, it is funny to see our “friendship map” and where it has taken us.
Friendship is tough to define. Often, our definition of friendship is what we make it in order to meet our needs at a specific time in our lives…
Anyway, as I have been thinking about friendships this week, I am very thankful for the friends I have. Those who accept and take me for who and what I am, and most importantly – my well-being. I think there lies the true measure of friendship.
I’m a HUGE Charlie Brown fan…
So… friendship…
First, I believe friendship only happens with people you actually spend time with. It is hard to develop a friendship if you are never around a person. And no, friendship is not the number of “friends” you have on social media.
Second, friendship needs to enjoy one another’s company. We are around a lot of people daily. Friends, sure… but is the measure of that only surface, or does it cut deep?
Third, it is hard to have friendships without common interests. I have said it time and time again, “There is something to be said about having like-minded, kindred-spirited people” in your lives. There are only so many conversations one can have on family and the weather.
Fourth, this is where it will get interesting. We have to have friends that will “get into your business.” If you cannot have honest, heartfelt conversations, then the friend status might need to be “un”checked.
Lastly, friendship must not only offer encouragement, but it must also be willing to help in a time of need. I am not talking about times where “I need a favor.” I’m talking about no matter who, what, when, why, or where… that friend will be there, no questions asked.
I hope you have friends who have the characteristics above. I do, and for that, I am whatever is beyond thankful. If you get a chance, you might want to tell them that.
Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…
