Hopes and Wishes for 2014

This Christmas, not unlike others, my in-laws wrote all of us (their children, children-in-law, and first grandchild) a letter.  When we were all together to celebrate the holidays this year, we opened it and all read it together.  This specific holiday, after some family drama, it really spoke to me and I decided that this is how I strive to live my 2014.

Because it is such a beautifully written letter and speaks to my heart, I thought I would share it here.  This is also what I wish for all of you.

Dear P, S, J, J, E, and M,

As we prepare to celebrate another Christmas, we thought it important, beyond physical gifts, to recall a few thoughts we've previously shared with you, gifts of another kind.

First and foremost, we feel blest beyond measure when we look at the people you are, people of moral character, compassion, kindness, and energy, to name only a few traits.  Your success in the workplace is due, in large part, to your ability to foster a vision, put into action what other only dream of, stick to the grindstone even if it means sacrifice, use your common sense, draw upon what life has taught you, display leadership and the ability to make decisions, and, above all, take risks believing in yourselves and each other.

We are proud of what we see, even in the face of a challenge.  We are confident you will always overcome inevitable obstacles as you move along life's path for you, redefining success year and after year.

Knowing that family is always first for it is there that we are loved unconditionally, nurtured, reenergized, and "home" regardless of how far apart we are, we put together a list of things to consider and remember and we head into another year.

• Remember why we celebrate Christmas, recalling the birth of Christ, the gift of his love for us, and the knowledge that He became flesh and knows everything we experience.  Talk to Him and ask for guidance and direction.
• Make decision that always consider family first, the family that resides in your household and then the greater family that supports you.
• Always remain connected even when it might be challenging.  Communicate often, freely, and openly; be honest and kind.
• Be humble and forgiving, for you may never know when you will need forgiveness.
• No matter how successful or wealthy you become, do not judge yourselves or each other on material wealth but rather the riches of strength, fortitude, and knowledge that sustains you.
• Conversely, if life takes a different path, judge yourselves and each other in the same positive light as above.
• Have courage to admit error or shortcomings, seek the advice of people you respect, and never be afraid to ask for help and receive it graciously.  If others seek your help, give it just as graciously and let them know they are important.
• Do not take advantage of others or judge them.  We don't truly understand what we have never experienced.
• Above all be yourself.  God created you with unique gifts and talents which you are already using and He is smiling upon you as He gives you the grace to continue each day.
• Remember we are always there for each other, only a phone call, text, face time, car ride, or flight away.  Even when you feel misunderstood, never, never stop communicating knowing that your bond as family is much stronger than any disagreement or perceived misunderstanding.
• Celebrate this beautiful season of new beginning as Jesus coms to us, know that you are loved and head into the New Year with joyful anticipation of what is to come.
• And finally, as we look into the eyes of our beautiful grandchild, nephew, son, we know beyond any doubt that God is right here in our midst giving us joy we could not anticipate, true and pure laughter, a love we needed to experience to know, and the binding that will never be undone.  It will only get better as the love of our family expands to a capacity we can only imagine.

With Love and Respect,

Mom and Dad

With this beautifully written letter, we sail on into 2014.  Looking forward to everything that's in store for us!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!