Opportunities - Unlike toilet paper in 2020, they are not few...

My family is my WHY.

Doing something good for the “big picture" in life it is more than just intrinsic value. We are designed to give and to receive, and it should come joyfully from the heart. It is humbling and empowering to know that Joy wrapped up in one little package can be so motivating. With that being said, doing good should be evident for yourself as well as those you work along side at work, at church, at home, or any given relationship. 

Life is short - tell others what they mean or risk them resolving to their own ideas of what they mean to you. It's in our nature. Giving praise where praise is due is fundamental in knowing how we have done, and that we are valued. It shapes our experiences. Without it we will always flounder about and come to our own conclusions, no matter how ridiculous they may be. 

Doing something good for others extends past your reflective talking points, pushes you past your routine, and is something each of us crave as humans. Life is fluid, fragile, and powerful all at the same time. We know what it means to do good because we have each seen what doing bad, or worse yet doing nothing, can do. 

Our support system, or support circle, helps shape our choices on what it means to be a part of something bigger. We are designed to not just "know" but to communicate and share our experiences. Our "why" is important. When reflecting our support circle in life, we know:

Not every boss is a leader.

Not every leader is a mentor.

Not every Preacher is a Pastor.

A friend may only be a friend for a season.

Mere intelligence does not make the teacher. 

Being long-winded in conversation does not automatically provide guidance.

Not every genius changes the world.

Just because you say you need to change doesn't mean you will without a consistent, disciplined effort.

Not every penny saved fuels an investment.

Not every investor is a partner.

Not every idea saves the world.

Planning is not communication, but actively communicating creates a plan.

All those "titles" - they can be easily be out of created opportunity at a whim, but respect still has to be earned once they are given. Do good for others and you will find the titles sort themselves out.

Opportunities - unlike toilet paper in 2020, they are not few. Actually taking those opportunities, whether your seek them out, they seem fall in your lap, or your found a way to create an opportunity, are literally everywhere. Even with that, we are not special simply because we jumped at a given opportunity. What makes us special, or unique, is the ability to take a talent granted to us, and multiply it. I find God has a unique way of sitting back just to see exactly what we will do with out talents. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we fail. Thankfully He is patient with us. The opposite of living life special is doing what has always done simply out of comfort and routine. Keeping focused and having the right support circle help keep balanced. That takes effort.

All people are important and should feel valued. Who, what, and how you praise others show what is in your heart. Work on your gratitude. Work on expressing your gratitude. Work on being grateful for all who do good, not just what is tied to the financial or what is done for you yourself. Expand your horizon.

Know that you know that you know you have a good life. Another day above ground means God’s not through with your story yet. Work through the rough to see the great in your life clearly. Gratitude grows gratitude. Doing good is a make or break situation. Clarity is everything, so keep it clear. 

Until next time ~ Nikki Smith

The Ever Evolving Smith