my word for 2012: perspective

So I have unlocked the key to having WISDOM...it's having perspective. As I age I realize that keeping perspective is vital to living happily. So what is perspective and how to do you get it? Well, good or bad, it usually comes with age and/or experience. Simply put, through the years we learn...what we like or don't like, what is acceptable and what isn't, what is a good judgement call and what may not be. We learn when something is serious and when something won't even matter a year from now. In this way, middle age is a good thing. You see behind you and in front of you. Thus, you have a pretty good vision of what today holds. As dismal as it sounds, I see folks each day with major, life threatening illnesses. I've seen many wonderful patients die. So, often I remind myself that if my family is basically healthy, then we've got a big advantage in dealing with any of life's other problems. So many things that our minds want to tell us are a big deal simply aren't a big deal in the long run. In fact, I get frustrated with myself when I let myself get worked up over something (or someone) that really doesn't matter and certainly has no eternal value. So, my challenge this year is to keep perspective. I am so blessed and I pray that even in trying times I can remember what matters!