We just made an 1100 mile change of scene.

After driving through 3 days of solid rain, we reached our destination.

And sunshine!

“The sun’ll come out tomorrow, Bet your bottom dollar

That tomorrow there’ll be sun!”

Will the sun come out in your life?

Since Covid-19 intruded into all our lives, our freedoms have been curtailed.

It will take a while before we get vaccinated.

In the meantime, even a small change of scene might lift your spirits.

And I’ve got GOOD news!

I read this morning that a leading economist predicts that the U.S, economy will come roaring back and have sustained growth because personal savings accounts are 173% higher than before the pandemic.

So, the sun will come out tomorrow for us!

We just have to persevere a while longer.

Diba Gaye lost his wife to Covid-19 in April. He lost his job and is at risk of being evicted in East Harlem, New York. (New York Times 1/2/21)

Do you have troubles? Walk for a day in his shoes. Do the shoes fit?

He is our brother. Yes, we are all related to him. He is a suffering member of our human family.

And he is black. The black members of our family, unfortunately, had to take a different path to adulthood.

That path was not smooth!

Now that he is an unemployed widower a few days from eviction, the path has not become any smoother.

You may ask, “Where is God?”

Oh GOD is still here!

HE sent you and me to smooth paths with HIS love.

Are we up to it?

If not today, when?

Did it make or break you?

It’s usually one or the other.

The influence of childhood experiences follow us forever.

Did you come from a loving home wherein your parents stayed together “Till death do us part?”

And were they good role models steeped in a good value system? That was my childhood.

Today, unfortunately, dysfunctional families are much more prevalent.

The consequences kids endure remain with them forever.

And when they come from a bad marriage and don’t know what a good marriage looks like, they and their spouse struggle to make it work.

If you are the child of an improper upbringing, how about seeing a marriage counselor before you get married?

I suggest this because it may help you start your new relationship on the right foot.

There are three marriage possibilities: Good childhood marries another good. Good childhood marries a bad. Bad childhood marries another bad.

Lifelong love is possible in all three scenarios, but you may need some help.

If not today, when?

Considering that the NEW YEAR begins this Friday, you should TAKE INVENTORY!

I don’t think you should jump into New Year’s resolutions, however, until and after you have first analyzed what you bring to the party.

It’s easy enough. You have two categories: Strengths & Weaknesses.

Once identified, will you try to maximize your strengths or correct your weaknesses, or a little of each?

This is an important process and should not be ignored nor taken lightly.

If you want to DO more, you must BE more!

Be honest with yourself. What has to change?

And once you’ve decided on changes, that’s only the first step.

What will be your calendar of deadlines and plan of action be to successfully make those changes?

Do you think you are worthy of such an exercise. Absolutely, God doesn’t make junk?

If not today, when?

Marriages begin with quite a bit of hoopla!

There are bridal showers for the bride and bachelor parties for the groom.

A great deal of planning goes into the wedding itself.

Many gifts are given to the soon-to-be married couple.

Another great prelude to the big event is the rehearsal dinner.

Finally the big day arrives attended by friends and family.

The new couple begins building a new life together.

After facing all the challenges throughout the years, their senior years are upon them.

Eventually, one of them may succumb to an illness of some kind.

The end is not as glorious as the beginning, but is much more profound!

Hopefully, life together was filled with an enduring love.

Your marriage is in your hands. Make it a great one!

1. Cybersecurity Expert (Cyber attacks are growing)

2. Data Scientist

3. Healthcare Professional (An aging population will drive demand)

4. Marketing, Communication and Design (Increased competition in the future)

5. Delivery, Logistics Management ( Delivery is exploding)

6. Human Resources (Has always been a necessity)

7. Gig-Worker (Works temporary jobs in the service sector)

I was curious as to the solid job growth opportunities in the future.

The above jobs were listed under a category called “future proof.”

So, if you feel your talents could earn you a more lucrative financial future, investigate!

I think the low hanging fruit is delivery. As more and more purchases are made online, the delivery category will have to grow exponentially.

I had never heard of a gig-worker before I found this list. An increasing number of businesses are hiring independent contractors (Gigs) on a temporary basis.

Need to have a more secure financial future? Look around.

If not today, when?

As each spouse goes along in life, they encounter events that change them physically, mentally or emotionally.

And some of the changes are unique to each partner!

Because of these unique changes, the one unaffected may not appreciate the impact on the other.

So, these changes can adversely affect the relationship.

If they cause your bond to weaken, how committed are the two of you to staying together?

The love that attracted both of you, while young, must mature into REAL LOVE!

This is the kind of love that calls for patience, forgiveness and understanding.

REAL LOVE means putting the wellbeing of the other person ahead of your own.

We have a friend whose husband is a victim of Alzheimer’s disease.

He is dying and in his last days.

Each day, she sits next to his bed and holds his hand so he knows someone loves him.

Need I say more?

A 7-year-old East Tennessee boy is being hailed as a hero by CNN today after he made sure his 22-month-old sister escaped from their burning home Tuesday night.

Eli Davidson went back into his burning home through a window to save her.

He said, “I was scared, but I didn’t want my sister to die.”

We never really know how COURAGEOUS we are until we’re put to the test.

And another point to be made here: Inside us is a reservoir of GOODNESS!

Oh yes! We’re more good than bad.

That 7 year old boy was not taught to be self sacrificing. It just came naturally.

And have you ever taken inventory of yourself? You are beautiful & wonderful!

We need you in this world!

We need your COURAGE and your GOODNESS.

And we need your LOVE.

If not today, when?

“I am a poor boy too, I have no gift to bring, that’s fit to give our king

Shall I play for you, on my drum? Mary nodded, the ox and lamb kept time

I played my drum for him, I played my best for him, THEN HE SMILED AT ME!”

What do you bring? To make someone smile?

Will you, through your efforts, leave this world a better place?

I really think that’s the bottom line for each of us.

Did we take this gift of life and invest it wisely?

If you have been a blessing to others, BLESS YOU!

If not, it is never too late to begin.

If not today, when?

Jose’ Feliciano gave the world a great gift with his song written in 1970!

It’s important that each of us have a Merry Christmas even if things are difficult at the present moment.

Despite our difficulties, we must keep perspective.

And if you have young children, you want them to build memories of joyous holidays!

Please take time today to count your blessings. After you count your blessings, give thanks for them.

Your life itself is a gift.

You owe it to those around you to live with a “Glass Half Full” attitude.

Millions and millions of your fellow Americans have no money and are facing eviction in 6 days.

Please, keep counting your blessings long after the holidays have passed.

If not today, when?