Purpose Day

Today is the fifth day of Kwanzaa–Nia, which, in Swahili, means “Purpose.” I’ll admit I’m not very familiar with Kwanzaa, but the “happy holidays” controversy got me curious about other celebrations going on around me besides Christmas, so I read a bit about it. Without going into great detail, each day of Kwanzaa has a principle on which to meditate and act upon.

It’s appropriate that today, just two days before a new year, has been designated as Purpose Day. The meaning of the verb form of purpose is to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself; to resolve. For Kwanzaa, Purpose Day involves community purpose as well as self:

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

My personal purpose day involves completing my resolution plan of attack, so, in effect, I’ll be joining in with others who spend the day focusing on their purpose. And focusing on our purpose is key as we ponder our goals for the coming year.

For us to be successful, every day will be purpose day because each daily task should lead toward an ultimate result. Without that end in mind, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to stay motivated and implement the day-to-day habits that will be required to attain our goals.

For example, if my goal is to lose weight, my daily routine must include healthy eating and exercise. If I’m not reminded daily of my purpose–goal, intent, resolve–behind these changes of habit, it will be all too easy to slip back into my comfort zone and continue making the same poor choices that got me to this size in the first place.

In the past, I’ve blogged several series–one on non-fiction writing, another on perking up prose, etc., and I’ve been contemplating what should be my next blog series. Today I’ve decided. I once conducted a workshop called “Design Your Own Luck,” which is essentially a goal-setting series. I began compiling those notes into what will hopefully someday become a book. I’ll post the overview tomorrow, and then, Lord willing, on New Year’s Day, we’ll get going on the series.

Spend a little time today considering your purpose. Ask God what His purpose for you is.

Have a blessed day!

Why We Relay…

Tonight will be our county’s annual Relay for Life. I want to pause for a moment and consider why we relay.

Here are my reasons:

• Larry Nixon–my father, who is a prostate cancer survivor.
• Elwood Nixon–my uncle, who passed away after a battle with colon cancer.
• Roberta Wolfe Collins–my aunt, who survived colon cancer for several years, but died recently from complications following a stroke.
• Lettie Bennie Wolfe–my grandmother, who died from skin cancer.
• Alden “Tom” Fulkerson–my father-in-law, who died earlier this year from complications due to a brain tumor. (You can read my tribute to him by clicking HERE.)
• Avanell Fulkerson–my mother-in-law, who is doing well with her battle against chronic lymphocytic leukemeia
• Betty Newman–my friend and fellow singer, who is fighting an intensive battle against liver cancer.
• Lisa Arey–our high school drama teacher and my friend, who lives trapped in a high-level coma due to an attack on her brain by West Nile Virus, which struck her while her immune system was weakened following chemotherapy for breast cancer. She has been pronounced cancer-free and is in a rehabilitation unit at Baylor University.
• Bernice Bates–my friend who, praise the LORD, was recently pronounced in total remission after an intensive battle with Multiple Myeloma.
• Cindi Burleson, Marie Hill, Lou Ann Carter, Emily Oates, and I’m sure I’ve left many off this list of my friends who have battled breast cancer and are shining their lights by mentoring others who are fighting the disease.

Why do YOU relay?

Let’s Get Together!

Is it just me, or does anybody else forget to stop and smell the roses until you’re forced to do so? As many of you know, my Aunt Roberta died this week. She still lived in the town where my mother grew up. Okay, the word "town" is generous; less than 50 people reside there. Community. Just driving along the highway leading toward the little churchyard brought back countless memories. I reaquainted myself with cousins and childhood playmates, walked through the cemetery and visited my grandparents’ graves, drove by their old home place, and spent a number of hours sequestered in the car with my family, sharing memories of "Bertchie," as we called her. Why is it that it takes a funeral to bring about a day of gathering? People don’t gather like the once did. Family Reunions, Decoration Days, Picnics on the Grounds–all are becoming things of the past. "Distance Learning" is replacing the classroom. E-cards are replacing hugs. E-mail is replacing visits. I believe all the abovementioned things are good, and there is a place for them. I just want to remind everyone to not become so busy or self-absorbed as I have done to put off spending time with those who are important to you. Pick up the phone, or better yet, pick up the car keys and get together with someone you love. Thanks to all who have expressed their condolences to me and my family this week.