Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Your 2009 Outlook

Every day we get bombarded with more and more bad news..the crashing economy, the growing deficit, loss of jobs, terrorism, health care crisis, global warming.....the list goes on and on.

But what I have been contemplating a lot lately is that I think people are now perhaps for the first time in a long time (if ever), re-thinking where thier hope and future lies.

Just in the last few weeks, we have seen unprecedented (at least in our lifetime) rapid declines in our stock portfolios, 401k's, real estate value, etc.

Just a few months ago most people I know had a sense of personal peace and comfort- perhaps a false sense of security about them.

How quickly that has changed. And I am not so sure this is so bad for us, our country, etc.

People have seen the value of what they worked their whole lives to attain disappear or significantly reduced in just a few short weeks.

I believe this is a great opportunity for people to stop, reflect, and even simplify their lives.

When much of what they have worked for has so quickly disappeared, one must take inventory of thier own values and priorities.

It is time for us to return to our roots-faith in God, love and care for family, friends, and loved ones, and taking the time to stop and enjoy the greatest true joy in life.

Remember the enemy of grattitude is forgetfulness.

Take time right now (and do this every day) to stop and dwell on 5 things you are thankful for- and don't forget the simple things we take for granted everyday (like our health, food, peace, etc.).

And don't forget to remain thankful and grateful- this is what I meant when I said the enemy of grattitude is forgetfulness- do not forget how good God has been, and continues to be to you, your family, and our nation.

Have a blessed day!

Ray Hilbert

1 comment:

Bill Wolfe said...

It is interesting to see how quickly we can re-focus our priorities when an event happens or something changes and doesn't go the way we had envisioned it going. We're living in some strange times in the United States that could cause some people to get scared or upset. I agree that gratitude is paramount. I think that gratitude is foundational in living a joyful life. It all comes down to trust. Trusting in God that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are greater than our thoughts. That He has a purpose and plan for our lives and that His end-goal rules. Thanks for the thoughts Ray.