LIFE

*Michael wrote this to his coaches today, while at work. I thought it was both encouraging and challenging. He titled it "Life".

Coaches,
The past few days God has really laid on my heart the importance of our attitudes and our thoughts. When we all were young our attitudes and thoughts seem to be positive and always looking forward. You strive each day to be a better person and to succeed at whatever you do. You give life your undivided attention and divide and conquer on a daily basis. You look forward to the future and believe your thoughts and dreams are but an arms length away. I know personally the older I get the fewer goals I make and less I map out my life. When I was in college I set goals on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. I watched those goals come to pass and my dreams fulfilled. Now that those dreams are fulfilled I find myself sometimes asking what’s next, but more than anything I find myself letting life pass me by. I find myself waiting for life to happen to me instead of me happening to life. I find myself complaining about the things I don’t have and ungrateful about the things I do. I realize that this time we have on earth is but a blink away and that the things that are dear to my heart like my family and friends will one day be gone. The only thing that will be left on this earth will be the impressions I have left in the minds and hearts of people I come into contact with on a daily basis and the legacy I leave behind. So what impression do I want to leave with these people? Someone who was happy and pushed forward everyday to be the best at whatever I’m doing, or someone who is negative and ungrateful for all the things God has ALLOWED me to have. So I’m CHALLENGING each of you to evaluate your life and what is important to you and to set goals both for your family and for your careers and to be thankful for the things you have and don’t dwell on the things you don’t. I CHALLENGE you to not settle for mediocrity in your thoughts and your actions. Once you know what your passion is then go after it and make your dreams come true. I’m making a decision today to write down five things each day that I’m thankful for and how much they mean to me and five things I want to accomplish in the next 5 years and how I’m going to get there. When making these goals, dream realistic but dream big don’t allow friends, family, or co-workers to tell you what is possible and what is not. Finally, look around at what God has blessed you with. This morning I realized that my boys are getting older and how blessed I am to have them. I realized how much they look up to me and love the time I give them. I realized that I’m their hero and the person they want to become. I realized that my example will help direct the path their lives will go. I want my boys to dream big, to want to go to an Ivy League school, to become doctors, to own a Fortune Five Hundred company. I know that if I don’t dream big and work hard to succeed and set a good example, then how will they ever learn to do the same. Sorry for carrying on, but I felt strongly to share my heart with you this morning and to help encourage anyone who feels or has felt the same as me. I have included my 5 things I’m grateful for today as-well as a little motivating speech I found.

5 things I’m thankful for:

My wife who love me for who I am and partners with me on this journey!
For the sacrifices Krystal and I have made so she could stay home with the boys, but especially to be able to stay home with Parker!
My boy’s who has brought more joy to my life then ever expected!
For having a Good Job during a time when many people are financially hurting!
For the ability to have good friends and lifelong friendship that continue to grow.
For the health of my grandparents and their ability to see my boys grow up.


Be ThankfulBe thankful that you don't already have everything you desire,If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know somethingFor it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times.During those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitationsBecause they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challengeBecause it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakesThey will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and wearyBecause it means you've made a difference. It is easy to be thankful for the good things.A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who arealso thankful for the setbacks. GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.Find a way to be thankful for your troublesand they can become your blessings.~ Author Unknown ~