Happy New Year RSVP friends!
I remember as a child that it always seemed to take forever for the new year to roll around or for my birthday to arrive. Now the years seem to fly by and birthdays are merely excuses for pie and ice cream, (I’m one of those “I prefer pie to cake” guys). Perspective is just understanding what end of the telescope you’re looking through. When you’re five years old, your birthday is 1/5 of your life away…when you’re sixty, it’s 1/60th! Quite a difference…
Change and the need to change comes up in many holiday conversations.
“What are your New Year Resolutions?”
“What would you like to change about yourself?”
“How am I going to change my eating habits this year?”
“How many books am I going to read this year?”
“How am I going to work out more this year?”
“What am I going to do to meet new people and socialize more this year?”
Reflecting on a quote from one of my favorite television series, "Ted Lasso," the protagonist and coach, Ted Lasso, prompts the characters to contemplate the concept of whether or not people can change.
In one insightful moment, Trent Crimm, a recurring character, shares his perspective, stating,
“I Don’t Think People Change Per Se As Much As We Just Learn To Accept How We’ve Always Been.”
Accepting ourselves creates space for embracing those facing struggles that differ from our own, even those we might be oblivious to due to our own shortcomings.
Actively assisting others becomes a powerful avenue for both blessing them and nurturing a greater love and appreciation for ourselves.
For me, this will be my goal going forward into this new year and beyond. I hope that our volunteers and cooperating agencies will strive to love themselves and others through the blessing of service to others in 2024 and beyond.
Happy New Year,
Dave