Christmas Insight.

Hello everyone!

To begin, I want to wish you all a Merry, merry Christmas and for those who do not celebrate Christmas - happy, glorious holidays to you!

For me, today is a fantastic day. I am not talking about the presents or the money. It is fantastic because today is full of love and happiness. Last night, I spent the evening enjoying time with my immediate family. I also got a special Christmas visit from my friend Brent, who just got home from his internship in Ypsilanti. AND, I was able to call my family in Peru and talk to them. To make the holiday more joyous, I got to see the rest of my family this morning. The whole gang came over for the traditional Christmas brunch and gift-swap. I have a number of little cousins that came over - it was great. On Christmas, children are a joy to watch; the excitement they all have when unwrapping presents is hilarious. Their joy and innocence reminds me how grateful I am for the wonderful souls with whom I share this life. It is a true blessing.

And, while Christmas would be nothing without the love of family and friends, there is a greater, personal significance to this day -- the birth of one the best examples of human existence -- Jesus Christ. Regardless, of spiritual affiliation, I hope that every person can reflect today and find inspiration in the birth of such a great person. Jesus lived a selfless, sacrificial life in order to serve as an example and guide for humanity. I do not feel that I would do this day justice if I did not find time to thank God for the gift of such an enlightened man. Jesus serves as an inspiration for me as I move through life. Today, I look inside myself and hope that I can live today and each day as a better human being.

And, as the New Year comes, there is little better time to resolve to improve yourself. Whether you resolve to say hello to a new person everyday or resolve to compliment others more often, I hope that today gives you a moment to reflect and aspire to improve the world - if only a little.

Bob Marley said:

“Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?”

Today, tomorrow, within the next week, please take the time to answer this question for yourself.

Peace and Love.

Love

Romans 13:8
I Corinthians 13:4-7

Inspiration.

I hope all of you great and wonderful people are having a great and wonderful weekend. On Thursday, I went to a forum related to my internship and some research that I am doing on Promise Zones. The Superintendent of Instruction in Michigan shared the following video with us during his speech. It is, in my opinion, compelling enough that I was teary-eyed. I hope only that it inspires you all in the way that it continues to inspire me.