Gratitude and Humility

It is that time of the year again.  It is November 17th and mine eyes can scarcely believe it.  I love the fact that our family is growing learning and maturing.  The trick is helping them do it in the right way so they can keep some perspective in a world that lacks little of it. 

Gratitude and humility are key here and it takes time and effort to cultivate these.  I am always telling my kids to think about consequences before acting.  Not just the immediate, but long term does a choice or action really provide enough benefit as a whole to justify the taking of that action.  This includes considering the resulting consequences to other people.  Having gratitude and humility helps us evaluate and consider how our choices and actions will likely affect others.  Many decisions on a daily basis likely don't require us to weigh choices other than a cursory review, however, we should still view most decisions as opportunities to make life better for others (i.e., while driving). 

As we look to make life better for ourselves we should do the same for those around us even if we have serious disagreements and frustrations.  You crush and destroy animosity by engaging and serving everyone.  It does not always work, but for those who really desire for good to prevail, they will respond. 

So, here's to our better angles this season.  Most can agree that this time of the year calls on us to exercise the human virtues that we find most ennobling and praiseworthy.  Lift another and thereby lift yourself. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas!