Let’s use well this year’s last day, learning all we can from what is now behind us. And tomorrow, let’s release what has ended and grasp what will then be just beginning. Let us end today in such a way that tomorrow will be our best beginning yet.
Our best treasures don’t have to be rare. Unlike gems or precious metals whose value depends upon their rarity, treasures of the heart can be gathered from plentiful sources. Let us not overlook the wealth of goodness that surrounds us each moment.
The freedom to value things according to our conscience should encourage us to learn to evaluate things more truthfully and skillfully. As this year closes, we’ll do ourselves (and our relationships) a favor if we upgrade our values.
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives, the cumulative experience of many masters of craftsmanship.
When we turn off all the noise, prepare our minds and hearts to do good work, and then get down to the simple things that are our real business in life, wonderful things result. So let’s simplify — our principles, our values, and our priorities.
All of us, whether “good-natured” or not, can maintain faith and exercise courage. We can preserve the cheerfulness of the holidays and carry these joys with us into the weeks of work that lie ahead. It’s just a matter of being thankful.
When we celebrate, we grow in character by honoring something outside of ourselves. Friendships are strengthened, families enriched, and our perspective broadened. Days like today do us much good. We ought to “keep” Christmas for all it’s worth!
Let’s enjoy the festive meals that bring us together at the table. But let us also learn the value of having festive hearts. Let us be a people who know the meaning of welcome — a folk whose merry hearts are able to enjoy a feast year-round.
Felicity comes from within. It’s basically the result of character, the by-product of principled living. On special occasions, we’re most apt to be surprised by felicity if we’ve been cultivating a peaceful conscience on days that weren’t so special.
The good life comes to those who show their gratitude for membership in the human race. And good relationships are built by people who value them enough to nurture them. When the common good is not served unselfishly, it soon becomes the common evil.
