Today marks the end of three very busy and special weekends including a 90th birthday celebration for my dad, a bridal shower for my daughter-in-law to be, and a championship swim meet for my son. These were three very special events for three people I love dearly. As I think of the three events, I am struck by the importance of gratitude, grace, preparation, and purpose.
Purpose
For all three events, the main purpose was to be there for those I love and care for. At the birthday party, we wanted to recognize Dad's good living, friends and family, and life's big moments. At the bridal shower, we brought many varied family and friend groups together to celebrate the bride-to-be. And, at the championship swim meet, we gathered with many of the swimmer and diver's families and friends to lend support and cheer the team on. Every event had a meaningful purpose that was inline with our values, hopes, and dreams for people and events we care about.
Preparation
The level of success for each event depended on being prepared. The more we anticipated and planned for the event, the more successful the event was. This factor reminds me that it is important to make the time to prepare well for special events in your life. If we're unprepared, the events don't go as well.
Grace
At each event, there was evidence of grace. The more grace, the better the event.
Gratitude
And, each event left me with amazing gratitude for the generosity, kindness, hard work, and respect shown by so many. At the championship meet, I felt great gratitude for my son's coaches, teammates, and their family and friends. So many people contributing in many, many ways to support and cheer the team on day after day. At my dad's party, it was truly a family event with many, many contributions including food, gifts, good cheer, storytelling, and tributes. The shower too illustrated contribution, care, and kindness by friends and family members too. I am grateful for this.
As I move ahead toward more special events in the months and years ahead, I want to continue to be cognizant of these critical factors of good living and positive celebrations: purpose, preparation, grace, and gratitude--all worthy dimensions for valuable events and good living. Onward.
Purpose
For all three events, the main purpose was to be there for those I love and care for. At the birthday party, we wanted to recognize Dad's good living, friends and family, and life's big moments. At the bridal shower, we brought many varied family and friend groups together to celebrate the bride-to-be. And, at the championship swim meet, we gathered with many of the swimmer and diver's families and friends to lend support and cheer the team on. Every event had a meaningful purpose that was inline with our values, hopes, and dreams for people and events we care about.
Preparation
The level of success for each event depended on being prepared. The more we anticipated and planned for the event, the more successful the event was. This factor reminds me that it is important to make the time to prepare well for special events in your life. If we're unprepared, the events don't go as well.
Grace
At each event, there was evidence of grace. The more grace, the better the event.
Gratitude
And, each event left me with amazing gratitude for the generosity, kindness, hard work, and respect shown by so many. At the championship meet, I felt great gratitude for my son's coaches, teammates, and their family and friends. So many people contributing in many, many ways to support and cheer the team on day after day. At my dad's party, it was truly a family event with many, many contributions including food, gifts, good cheer, storytelling, and tributes. The shower too illustrated contribution, care, and kindness by friends and family members too. I am grateful for this.
As I move ahead toward more special events in the months and years ahead, I want to continue to be cognizant of these critical factors of good living and positive celebrations: purpose, preparation, grace, and gratitude--all worthy dimensions for valuable events and good living. Onward.