Happy...Festivus?
As we've learned from Seinfeld and our culture, most anyone can create their own version of a holiday. The very name holiday comes from HOLY day. Today many of our "holidays" aren't holy days, but at least one still should be.

Why do so many seem to have a problem with the "Christmas" designation of this day?
Changing a word here or there doesn't really have any effect on the intended meaning now does it? The cause for celebration and what it has become around this holy day has subtly moved the focus away from what it was intended to be. Lest Martin Luther King day become " good men for causes" day, and Memorial Day becomes "let's have a day off, but not talk about why" day...
Christmas is about a singular thing. Without that singular thing, none of the other things would matter much.
Remember the story?

"Unto you this day, is born a savior...Christ The Lord."
Giving consideration to all holy days (even Festivus?)...this day exists on our calendars as the celebration of Christ's birth.
Merry Christmas.

Just pondering a bit of ancient wisdom...
from a letter written long ago to the Galatians.
This letter happens to have a Chapter 6 and verse 9 and 10 for following along.
"Let us not grow weary in well-doing. For in due season
we shall reap if we faint not. So while we have the opportunity
let us do good to all men..."

Not only do I sign many of my books with that verse but it holds a special meaning for me in the way I live my life. It's one of my signature verses. What's yours?
What do your signatures say about you your life? About your work?
And where do you look for wisdom?

Here's to becoming a better student in the New Year.
To finding wisdom.
And to the opportunity to do good...to all.
Michael

Tonight I was an NBA coach...
if only for a few minutes.

In my city, at our new downtown arena, in the lockeroom,
with million-dollar talent.
A small group of professional basketball players came to a pre-game session on life. And I had the unique opportunity of speaking to them about things like courage and leadership and living on purpose. The oldest couldn't have been much more than 26.

They didn't look like TV stars or NBA stars or Movie stars...just young adults looking for the same answers you and I (and our sons and daughters) are looking for.
My message? Big is available! Go for it. Be strong and courageous in becoming uncommon in your life as well as in your work. (Feel free to use that if you find yourself coaching some young talent in the near future)

Best part is, they really seemed to listen...and care.
I love this game!
Michael