Happy New Year!
I sincerely hope the past holiday season was celebrated by you and those you love safely and happily.
My favorite gifts this time of year are the simple ones. Gifts that never go out of style and always fit right - friendship and love. the holidays have a way of reminding me I should be sharing these gifts, not only during these special times, but all year long.
It is within my power to make two persons happier in the next few minutes, simply by telephoning someone who has blessed and enriched my life and saying, "I'm grateful for your friendship," That person will be happier, and so will I.
Gratitude works wonders. Have you ever seen a really joyful person who was not filled with gratitude? Have you ever seen a miserable, self-centered person who was truly grateful?
Charles Dickens once wrote: "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."
It only takes a minute to begin reflecting on our present blessings:
...the gift of life itself
...the warmth of friendships
...the riches of good health
...the power of love
...the privilege of prayer
...the joys of music
...the satisfaction of work
...the treasures of books
...the beauty of art
...the miracle of the seasons
As we enter 2008,Take a moment each day and count your blessings, pass your gratitude on and model the joy that is yours. It is the most priceless gift we can give to ourselves and those around us - all year long.
