December 31, 2008
Dear Friends,
Another year ends—or begins, depending on your perspective.
I’ve never been much for beginning a new year with resolutions, mostly because I ignore them anyway. I prefer to think of each day as a new beginning; that way, when I mess it up, I don’t have to wait a whole year for a fresh start.
However, I suppose there’s some value in choosing an arbitrary date on which to assess progress and set new goals, and January 1 is probably as good as any other.
I‘m attracted to the notion of living intentionally. I’ve recently been trying to begin each day “on purpose” instead of simply stumbling robotically through a morning routine. I think this approach helps me to be more productive, but that’s not the primary benefit.
Living intentionally means that I’m consciously choosing my actions. Rather than falling passively onto the path of least resistance or doing a task out of habit or obligation, I select each step for its positive attributes. Even a routine or unpleasant chore assumes a more affirming character when I intentionally tackle it because I like the feeling of self-discipline rather than doing it because “I have to.”
I make no claim that I’ve mastered this approach. I find that as the day moves along my “intentionality” tends to wane, but there’s always that fresh start to anticipate, along with a new opportunity to make better choices and do a bit more with the time I have.
I wonder if living intentionally feels right because it follows one of nature’s basic principles: light always overcomes darkness. There can never be enough dark to obscure even the tiniest light, because dark is really just a void, the absence of something. Inject a small light, and the void recedes.
Obligation and habit are sort of like darkness; they occupy a void where nothing more positive dispels them. Intention inserts the light of conscious choice into the void, and the darkness recedes.
My goal for each new day is awareness that I may not control circumstances or events, but I can be intentional about how I use the time and talents God gives me to respond rather than react. I know I won’t achieve or even approach that goal, and that I’ll frequently fall away from it as weakness and old habits. But each sunrise offers the hope of opportunity.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
As I enjoy the priviledge of talking to readers about Relentless Grace, I am increasingly aware that we all face a broad spectrum of circumstances. Not all situations lend themselves to immediate "happiness."
However, God promises His abundant blessing in every season of life. So my wish for all of us at the dawn of 2009 is enhanced awareness of the incredible blessings that constantly surround us.
For me, one of those blessings is the opportunity to share the story of Relentless Grace with an expanding circle of readers. Reader reactions are obviously meaningful to me. If you've read the book, please visit the Relentless Grace blog and join the conversation or send me a note at rich@richdixon.net with your thoughts.
I appreciate your assistance in spreading the word by recommending the book to friends, family, and former students or parents who may be interested. I continue to hope that the story entertains, inspires, and encourages.
In an act of shameless self-promotion, I ask readers who enjoyed the book to visit AMAZON.COM and contriute a five-star review. For more simple ways to help with building the buzz for Relentless Grace, this page has some suggestions.
Calendar and News
An article discussing disabilities will appear in the January 18, 2009 issue of The Lookout. I've also been fortunate to schedule several more articles during the first half of 2009.
As the new year begins, one specific goal for me is to increase the number and geographic range of speaking engagements with both general and faith-based audiences. I’d welcome the opportunity to visit your community and and share a bit of my story. If you know someone who is looking for a motivational speaker, please contact me or forward this information to an appropriate contact.
Some time in January (TBD) I'll speak to the congregation at Immanuel Church. Readers of Relentless Grace will recognize the central role that church played in the story. It will be great to share with them and celebrate their generousity and heart for God.
We'll do a book signing at The Cupboard in Fort Collins on February 14th. Proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
That same weekend (February 14th and 15th) I'll also share in the weekend services at Timberline Church as part of a sermon series.
If you are engaged in raising funds for a group or individual, send me an email and let’s discuss using the book to support your efforts.
I pass along two specific prayer requests that are on my mind. Dylan Morrison, the five-year-old son of my colleague Debbie, has endured a month-long hospitalization at Children's Hospital in Denver. We pray for healing for Dylan, and peace and rest for parents Deb and Justin and brother EJ. I guarantee that Dylan's impossibly cute picture will bring a smile to your face.
I also ask for your continued prayers for my friend Mike Kabat. Mike's at home after four months of recovery and rehab. Mike and Deb now face the difficult task of adjusting to life with a spinal cord injury.
Thanks for your encouragement and support. Becky and I wish you all the best as we explore the challenges and opportunities of 2009.
Blessings,
- Please visit my web site:
http://www.richdixon.net or www.relentlessgrace.com - I’d love to hear from you. Send me a note at: rich@richdixon.net
- If you haven't seen it yet, please click this link to view a short video trailer for Relentless Grace.
- Join the conversation about Relentless Grace at: Relentless Grace blog
- Read my blog post every Friday at: SetFreeToday.com
- To update your contact information: rich@richdixon.net
- I promise I won’t distribute your information to anyone for any reason.
