The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Beginnings

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

3 January 2007

A new year is many times seen with a baby as a symbol marking a new beginning, and Father time who symbolizes how quickly time passes.

For each of us, 2007 brings about another year of opportunity to live a life of significance. A life that has meaning and value.

Our year begins with the burial of our 38th President, Gerald Ford and the example of how we can make the most out of our lives if we stop to think and make good choices.

President George W. Bush has ordered flags to be flown at half mast for thirty days in honor of President Ford and it is a good time not only to reflect on President Ford's life of ending, but also our year of beginnings.

In our new year, maybe we can incorporate the Mission Statement of Josephson Institute of Ethics founded by Michael Josephson: "To improve the ethical quality of society by changing personal and organizational decision making and behavior."

We can incorporate into our lives attitudes of compassion and caring, of kindness and generosity, of forgiveness and courage, of fairness and justice, of integrity and goodness. We can combine it with education and wisdom, leadership and problem solving techniques. And we can make moral choices with passion and enthusiasm which all builds character and a conscience for doing what is meaningful.

We must remember that it is our choices we make in 2007 that will ultimately bring about trust or deception, perseverance or failure, pleasure or sadness, friendships or enemies, good times or unpleasant ones.

Most of what happens to us is not circumstances but from the choices we make or fail to make.

It is the respect and acceptance we give others, mixed with high principles and values that can reduce anger, greed and deception and unhappiness in 2007.

If you think your family, your church, your community or country needs to change, begin with yourself. You will find it is that kind of attitude adjustment and purpose that will change your world and bring peace.

It is really about simplicity and humility, not about fame and fortune. It is about principle, values, and the call to civic duties, as President Ford so nobly served 25 years.

As we begin in 2007, let us resolve to seek purpose and responsibility so we can bring about a more meaningful year.