toddcast

As Memorial Day approaches we sense the value of remembering those who have gone on before us.   We take note of their lives and the influence they have had on us.   But Memorial Day also makes me wonder how memorable a life I am living?   I want to be remembered.   I want people to look back on my life and be inspired by the contributions that I have made.   I want my life to matter.   But how can I do that?   How can I live a memorable life? The gospels, in Mark 14 , tells a wonderful story of a woman who left a memorable mark in the life of Jesus, so much so that Jesus said that what she did would be told whenever the gospel is preached! Jesus was at the home of a friend shortly before his crucifixion.   While they were eating, this woman comes in and breaks a jar of very expensive perfume and pours it over Jesus' head.    Some of the believers gathered there are critical of the woman saying that the perfume could have b...

I was introduced to a new term recently – The Holiday Halo Effect .   Apparently, research has determined that not only is going on a vacation good for you, but simply booking a vacation creates feelings of positivity.   Just knowing a vacation is coming seems to bring people joy. Furthermore, those expecting a vacation report that they feel more motivated at work. Seems to make sense to me.   Having something fun and exciting to look forward to can make even a mundane life more bearable.   Knowing that there is something pleasurable waiting for us in the future can make the days leading up to that vacation pleasant.   A wise friend once gave this advice to someone who was wondering if they could hold up just a few more weeks until retirement – “You can stand on your head for three weeks if you have to!” Knowing that there’s a beachside bungalow or a mountainside cabin waiting for us empowers us to make it through even dark days. I appreciate the research ...