I’m asking you to do something that is unnatural.

I’m suggesting that you deliberately prioritize the needs of your spouse ahead of your needs.

And I’m asking your spouse to reciprocate by putting your needs first.

Most of us made the decision to marry a specific person because we saw the benefits WE WOULD GET such as: a sexual partner, a companion, a confidant.

Yet, if the marriage is to last “till death do us part,” we must make our partner’s experience in this marriage SOMETHING HE/SHE WANTS TO ENDURE!

Do you and your married partner feel your relationship is FAIR TO BOTH PARTIES?

If not, hopefully, it’s not too late to begin focusing on your spouse more than yourself.

I know of a married person who says to his spouse each morning: “How can I help make your day a good one today?”

Millions of people go unnoticed too!

It is happening all around the world in every society.

India has given them a name, UNTOUCHABLES.

They are the poor people who are invisible to society.

Most people don’t like to think about them or to look at them.

As most wealthy children grow up to be wealthy, most poor children grow up to be poor.

They break my heart because their lives are so unfair.

The odds from birth are stacked against them.

They usually don’t have access to good medical care or good schools.

Their daily surroundings can be dangerous.

They are born, struggle to survive and die unnoticed by their society.

If we are honest, all societies consider the poor to be UNTOUCHABLE!

Would you consider reaching out to offer help in your community?

If not today, when?

(Photo: Brooke Harrison with her mother)

(CNN)They both fidget while they talk, like any teenager would when being questioned in front of multiple cameras. One jokes about her imperfect manicure.

“Prom is on my birthday,” Lauren Hogg says. “I think it’s going to be great.

But then, when asked to recount what should be the hardest thing for them to talk about, their fidgeting stops.

“I was in the 1200 building, which is where the shooting happened,” Brooke Harrison says. “And Alaina, Alyssa and Alex all died in my classroom and eight people total were shot in my classroom. Everyone that was around me where I decided to try to hide was either shot or killed.” (CNN)

The shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, FL took place February 14, 2018.

This story is an extreme example of “THE NEED TO MOVE ON!”

We all have various life experiences that require us to also move on.

The only way I know how to do that is to MAKE TODAY COUNT.

It’s all we have!

If not today, when?

This morning, we’re attending the funeral of a great lady!

She devoted many years of her life in the Troy, Michigan school system as a kindergarten teacher.

Her name is MARY KAY GOETZ.

Can you see yourself rising early each morning and deliberately seeking out a room filled with kindergarten kids?

Well, MARY KAY made that choice while enriching the lives of hundreds of youngsters along the way.

She received formal recognition for her selfless contribution by being honored with The Troy School System Teacher Of The Year Award.

She did all that while raising four very accomplished daughters with her late husband, John.

Like all those who make major contributions to society, she will be sadly missed.

GOD SPEED, MARY KAY!

We’re attending three funerals in two weeks.

Now that I’m approaching 80, friends, relatives amd previous business partners seem to be passing away at an increasingly fast pace.

It happens to all of us if we live long enough.

Every time I hear of another loss, it gives me pause to contemplate that person’s life.

Were they happy?

Did they feel life had treated them fairly?

Were they proud of their accomplishments or disappointed in the lack of them?

Were they loved and did they freely give love in return?

Did they squander their opportunities or make the most of those that came their way?

And how about the way I have conducted my life?

Have I set the proper example for our children, their spouses and our grand children?

The most important question for me: Did I give my spouse the love she deserves?

To anyone reading this blog: Life goes by in the blink of an eye.

MAKE IT COUNT!

If not today, when?

Fancy living like royalty during your next vacation?

The first ever hotel based in the grounds of the Chateau de Versailles has just opened its doors, giving travelers the opportunity to stay in the heart of one of the world’s most opulent addresses.

However, guests will need to stump up at least €1,700 a night (just over $2,000) for the privilege of bedding down here.

Made up of 14 rooms and suites, Le Grand Controle is located within three historic buildings that date back to 1681 and have since been restored by architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer. (CNN)

This is the creme de la creme vacation opportunity!

The World War 1 Peace Treaty was signed here on June 28,1919.

With only 14 rooms available, this will be a much sought after venue.

We just returned from a few days at a cottage on lake Michigan.

The Great Lakes contain 20% of the earth’s surface fresh water supply.

So, people living in communities that border the Great Lakes, celebrate an abundance of this precious commodity we call FRESH WATER!

Like everything else in life, however, there are the haves and the have nots.

California and other western states are facing a dire shortage of fresh water.

Our bodies are made up of a an abundance of water, 60% actually.

Crops need water to grow.

Animals need water to live and grow.

Water is one the most essential building blocks of all forms of life on earth.

It must not be squandered.

Because we all have access to faucets, the preservation of the nation’s water supply is in the hands of each and every one of us.

USE WATER WISELY!

If not today, when?

Some people are motivated by money.

Some are not.

Why is that?

I heard a noted author say that he thinks it’s biological.

He says people actually possess a “Money Gene” or they don’t.

I think the majority are motivated by money.

I’m sure you’ve also heard someone say, “I don’t do it for the money.”

Thank God there are people who just want to help other people!

Look at all the social workers, police and fire, ambulance crews, school teachers and those who join the military.

They are the ones who impact our lives the most and are paid the least amount.

It is another of the great ironies of life.

If you are one of those who have chosen to spend your life helping others, THANK YOU!

If you’re not, please go out of your way to thank those who do.

If not today, when?