Day 3,723

Growth:

When we read something we really appreciate, write it down and save it. When you hear a quote you enjoy, write it down and save it. When someone gives a speech or sermon you greatly enjoy, ask them for a copy and save it.

So often those nuggets appear, bounce around in our brain, but then slowly drift away to the dark recesses to be lost for long periods of time until something jars them lose. By saving and cataloging those quotes, stories, and info we are able to more easily recall them.

Appreciation:

I’m incredibly grateful for doing the difficult feeling parts of parenting early – including having the boys do chores. In our house we are all expected to help out and tag in. As anyone with kids know, getting kids to do just about anything related to a chore can be a very difficult endeavor, no question! Through sticking with it, keeping them on the plan to clean even when it wore us out, they both grew into individuals who voluntarily offer to help us clean now. For the past few weeks Gavin has offered up helping, no need to even ask him! How excellent is that!

Presence:

The time spent in deep thought considering who I am, where I want to grow, which dreams I want to focus on for the next year. Uncomfortable in some ways as I have to sit quiet and alone, confronted only with myself and my own thoughts. Seems like it should be easy, but there’s this weird gravitational pull towards distraction that keeps getting the better of me. Maybe Blaise Pascal was on to something in his Pensees #136.

That said, the time alone in thought was amongst the most productive time I’ve had in a while. These moments will echo throughout the days, weeks, and months of 2026.

Thanks!!!