“Our greatest fear should not be of failure… but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” – Francis Chan

My definition of A Life That Matters: Using your talents to the best of your ability and helping those who are in need of your love regardless of the form it takes.

When you make someone else happy, it makes you happy too. It is such a simple, but profound truth that it is in giving that we receive. It is actually a win-win for the giver and the receiver.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that our society is hurting in so many ways. Will you be part of the problem or the solution? You’re either one or the other.

If you’re not consciously doing something to make some other person’s life better, you’re part of the problem!

If not today, when?

 

VALLEY VILLAGE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — An off-duty sheriff’s detective who was helping an elderly woman cross the street was struck and killed by a vehicle Sunday morning, officials say. The detective was identified as Amber Joy Leist, a 12-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. She was the 41-year-old mother of two sons, ages 17 and 20.

She was at a stop light, put her car in park, picked up the lady who had fallen and while walking back to her car, was struck by a passing motorist and killed.

Life can sometimes be very unfair! This was one of those times!

God bless and keep safe the Good Samaritans!

If not today, when?

 

 

The most well-known downside of social media is the addiction it creates. Constantly checking the news feed of the different social media sites becomes an addictive habit.

What are the dangers to your child?

ONLINE BULLYING– Even though you think your child is safe in your own home, he or she might be publicly ridiculed by some bully without your knowledge while seated right in front of you. It can come through Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, Twitter, or You Tube, and through text messages, instant messages, or email.

LESS ONE-ON-ONE TIME-   Your child is perhaps getting more negative messages at school and online than positive in-person messages from you.  Try to schedule a person to person chat, even if just ten minutes a day, no matter what is going on. Maybe even just before bedtime.

If not today, when?

 

 

 

“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” — Gerard Way

I love the quotation above!

I remember it all, from early childhood through the rambunctious teen years to meeting the girl of my dreams. We’ve been married 55 years now. Six children and 22 grand children later, we’re loving the journey! To show how old we’ve become, our oldest son is a senior citizen with a white beard.

Have there been bumps along the way? Oh, yes, but we’ve faced them together. We are big believers in the saying, “It is in giving that you receive.” My partner says she’d like to do it all again.

My best advice is to make each day count. They add up quickly. And, your greatest joy will occur when you lift someone up who is down!

If not today, when?

SPOUSE-Does the well being of your spouse come first? You made a solemn vow to love and cherish one another for the rest of your lives.

KIDS-Your children need your guidance, love and support. Even after they become adults with children of their own, they often need you. You should, however, never put the their best interests ahead of your spouse’s.

CAREER– Many people put their career ahead of family. Of course, you want personal success in the world of work. You also need adequate income to satisfy your family’s financial requirements. Do your career ambitions, however, become a wall between you and your family?

OUTSIDE INTERESTS– Many people are completely absorbed into the sporting world. For others, politics or some other activity outside the home commands too much of their time.

Re-examine your priorities!

If not today, when?

Are you a good decision maker? Do you consider all the facts before deciding? The decisions you make will determine the entire course of your life. Here are the rules:

ACT IN HASTE, REPENT AT LEISURE– Snap decisions don’t allow you to properly consider the alternatives.

SEEK ADVICE- If it is an important decision, it would be wise to hear another point of view from someone whose opinion you would respect.

ACTIVELY LISTEN-Whether seeking advice or when in a confrontation, focus completely on what the other person is saying.

USE YOUR BRAIN, NOT YOUR EMOTIONS– In the heat of the moment, it is easy to allow your emotions to take over. Don’t say something you’ll regret.

COUNT TO TEN– Give yourself a chance to gather your thoughts. Stay in control!

If not today, when?

Is the world better off because you’re here or not so much?

Do the people you interact with on a daily basis benefit or suffer from the association? Do you care?

Simply put, if you don’t make the world a better place, it won’t be!

You may think that’s a little harsh on my part, but you and I don’t have the right to complain about life and living if we don’t try to make things better for those around us. Each of us is either part of the problem or part of the solution.

Let’s just think about today.

Is their someone whose happiness you can positively impact with a smile or compliment? He or she will probably be pleasantly surprised.

It’s just that easy!

If not today, when?

 

Do you live in the regrets of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow?

Do your children complain that you don’t listen to them? Are your days less productive than they could be? I think we all suffer from the above shortcomings from time to time.

The great irony, however, is that the past won’t give you the second chance to do it right this time. And, the future never comes. All you have is this day which is a gift from God.

What are you going to change in your behavior that will allow you to make the most of each day? Self improvement is an exhilarating growth experience which, among other benefits, heightens self confidence.

Don’t live in the yesterdays or tomorrows. Live in the only thing you’ll ever have: today!

If not today, when?

A few days ago, a high school senior athlete, with a full scholarship to play wide receiver for the Georgia Tech football team, walked in front of a freight train and was killed.

His name was Bryce Gowdy and his mother and two younger brothers were homeless and living out of their car. He was going to report to the university on January 7th to begin classes. On December 30th, however, he told his mom that he was very worried about leaving his younger brothers. His distress about them lead to his fatal decision.

I tell you this story because there are people living very desperate lives in every community including yours. Please reach out from time to time and lift somebody up.

If not today, when?

“Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”- Helen Keller

Helen Keller (on the right) was born both deaf and blind. She was the first person with both afflictions to earn a bachelor degree. She was also an author, political activist and lecturer. She lived 88 years from 1880 to 1968.

When reading her quotation (above), we can see that her decision to be happy accounted for her long life and many contributions to society.

Although, she couldn’t see, she did see what is truly important in living a productive life. Although we can see, many of us don’t see how to make the most of our lives.

You don’t have the excuses she had with her afflictions. Yet, she lived a purposeful life.

If she can, you can too!

If not today, when?