Tag: Peace

Character

~ Tim Pritchett ~ 1 Comment

|Character|
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
John Wooden

I can think back to the times that I confused reputation for character. Words matter, especially when it comes to character. 

It’s easy to focus on reputation – it’s how others see us. When we do well, and people appreciate us or the thing we did, that feels great. But reputation is just a shadow that is shaped by the light of our actions and words. It can shift with perspective and fade with time. Our reputation, hopefully, is a reflection of what is found in our character. Character is our unshakable core. It’s who we are – truly beyond the opinions and judgments of others.

When life goes sideways, the day is hard, the results aren’t good, the weight is heavy, our reputation is an insufficient refuge. But character is where we find strength and resilience. There is a word in the Greek language that I love – “Poiema,” which is where we derive our words “poem” and “poetry.” Beauty and artistry. Your character includes the beauty and artistry of integrity, authenticity, resilience, clarity, purpose… these are the steady ground on which you stand. Your character is forged and strengthened through hardships, integrity, and perseverance.

By prioritizing and investing in your character, you cultivate authenticity. Authenticity is a key ingredient in peace.  Circumstances will test you. Others may disappoint you. But your character remains a sanctuary to find clarity and purpose.

What matters most is not the shadow that is cast, but the substance – the beauty and artistry within. Focus on who you are and how you act when no one is watching. Let the shadow take care of itself.

Be Encouraged.

Slow

~ Tim Pritchett ~ Leave a comment

|Slow|
Slowing down reminds you that the journey is supposed to be fun.
| Anne Bancroft|

The New Year often ushers in new year resolutions, new deadlines, new to-do lists, and new commitments. These aren’t necessarily bad, but they can distract us from what truly matters.

The turn of the calendar is a chance to slow down – a reminder that life is a journey to be savored, not just a series of boxes to be checked. In a culture of “rise and grind,” finding joy, choosing rest, and being still can be met with resistance (both internal and external) and criticism (both internal and external). But that act of slowing down… that decision to be intentional about rest are key ingredients to peace and joy.

Maybe you ended 2024 thinking that 2025 would start off differently (“…it certainly can’t get any worse…”), but hours, days, or weeks into the “new” year, it all seems like it’s more of the same – or, yes, even worse. This is why the reminder to slow down is so important. Slowing down lets you consider and focus on what matters – a coffee with a friend, enjoying deep laughter, or lounging on a quiet evening. It can also include finding the good in the hard or finding freedom in routine. Discovering that you’re stronger than you thought and more resilient than you previously believed.

Please rest. Please take care of yourself. Please slow down. But also, please know there is joy in the journey – even if things aren’t going as you’d hoped in this season. Look for the good. Focus on gratitude, even in the smallest things. And as always…

Be Encouraged.

Rejoice

~ Tim Pritchett ~ Leave a comment

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
|Epictetus|

Christmas is in just a few days. Recently, in an all-company meeting, I began discussing many of our team’s activities that give back to our community and some of the real needs that exist. I mentioned that one of the critical clothing needs the Hearts With a Mission Youth Shelter has is packages of new underwear or socks. Underwear. Socks.

We were reminded and shared how much we have to be thankful for. As we talked about gratitude, I was overwhelmed—nearly brought to tears. We’re so blessed. You may have hardships and difficulties. I don’t make light of that. But if you’re reading this, you’re blessed. You have access to electricity and a computer, probably somewhere inside… We have much to be thankful for.

But the temptation to chase more – more gifts, more decorations, more perfection, more…more. But in this season, we have the opportunity to pause and embrace gratitude. I’ve heard it asked, what if you woke up tomorrow only with what you were thankful for today?

There are hardships, for sure, but please don’t fall into the trap of focusing on what you don’t have. Instead, celebrate what is already good in your life. Please meditate on and be grateful for the love of family and friends…the peace that can be found in quiet moments, the help and support of those around you. The ability to offer help and support to those around you. When our thoughts and perspectives are guided by gratitude, even the smallest things become great treasures.

This Christmas, put aside the focus on what you’re missing and choose to rejoice in what you have. Gratitude transforms what we have into enough.

Away in a manger No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head

Bless all the dear children In Your tender care
And fit us for heaven To live with You there

Merry Christmas. Be Encouraged.