In Whom Do I Place My Trust?

It's not uncommon at this time of year to set intentions for the year; that which we want to accomplish, improve upon, or avoid during the year. For my wife, Suzanne and I, it centers around being more healthy in a more whole and complete sense; to lose 20 to 30 lbs, to exercise regularly and with better balance in how we exercise, to improve our habits of eating, to be more reflective about and mindful of those things that matter most and which bring the greatest meaning in our life. I suspect our goals are not that different from many of you. The question for us is how do we maintain a focus on these goals, to keep them front and center, and thus turn our intentions into outcomes? That's where my friend Cathy comes in.

Earlier this week she sent me an email. I think it was probably one of those that are circulating around the internet. You've probably even seen it. It concerned a couple invited to spend the weekend with the husband’s very wealthy boss. One evening while walking to a nice restaurant, the boss stopped, stared at the pavement, and then bent over and picked up a single penny seeming to treasure it with the highest regard. The wife nagged by this man's actions asked about his action at dinner. The man showed her the penny and called her attention to the phrase on its front, "In God We Trust." For him, every penny found in the course of his day is a moment to reflect upon in whom he places his trust. He offers up each moment of finding a penny to prayer and uses it to stay centered on that which matters to him. He sees it as a way of being in conversation with God.

This story struck me as valuable in helping Suzanne and I do the same; to stay mindful about that which matters to us in the year ahead. It calls us to find a way to focus on what's important to us on what we want to accomplish, and in whom we place our trust in the accomplishment thereof. So part of our equation for success during the year ahead is finding small, but concrete ways of remaining mindful of that which matters most and then remembering in whom we place our trust.

What about you?