In the midst of the holidays, a time meant for joy, peace and rest, we find ourselves following the crowd. We wake up tired and wondering why our bank accounts and our energy levels are in the basement. Let's commit to making a change in 2024.

The following is a short letter I wrote to a friend a few years while in the middle of the home-bound, Covid pandemic.  Rereading it during the holidays is helpful for a few reasons: 

ONE, it keeps me off of life's “treadmill.” 

TWO, it reminds me of the “why” in my mission.       

Enjoy!

Dear Friend - 

This “virus” has kept so many completely “stalled out.” It seems to have forced us to stop for a moment. Encouraged by a slower pace, I find myself thinking more about my own lifestyle, personal relationships, where I spend my time, my habits & the things I want to accomplish.

The world normally seems to run so fast. Do you think a “global slow-down” might even be helpful?

It’s encouraging to know that Lone Oak has worked to provide that “slow down” experience even before the virus hit. We’re grateful that so many customers respond positively to time in a quieter place. 

Unfortunately, for others, slowing down seems painfully difficult. Why? 

A quiet and slow process, as opposed to fast and hurried, will provide you with a clearer picture. All of our strengths, blessings, deficits, needs & voids. 

We then have a choice, ignore the message or respond to it.

Perhaps in the moment, it's always easier for us to ignore our challenges. I mean really, who wants to admit they aren’t a complete hero? Change what? Are you kidding me? So we ignore it. And consequently, we continue to live the same unfulfilled lives we’ve always lived.

But what if we actually responded to it?

Enter “Challenge Accepted and Reward”…

Warning…I have come to grips with a very clear understanding. “The more I oppose the “ways of the world,” the more intense I can expect my challenge ahead.”

“The world” isn’t interested in peace. There is no money to be made when you're a complete and fulfilled human. The hurried, overscheduled, power-hungry, asset-accumulating, stress-out lives some choose, can leave them out of alignment and lacking extraordinary peace…but at least they drive a Lambo. (followed with a hint of sarcasm). 

My encouragement to you, my friend, is that I’ll never judge on your own discovery. Find that slower speed for a moment. Breathe. Relax. Ease forward in search of that special alignment. You’ll find the true desires of your heart. And then the peace you’ve been seeking will arrive. Who knows, and maybe the Lambo too.

Remember, the alignment that God and the universe desires to have with us, will create the peace in us.”

Encouraging you to “gear down” for a moment. A slow walk, a quiet space, time outside. Limit the loud music, uncle Bob lighting fireworks, fast cars and large screens for long periods of time. Just you, getting into alignment. 

If need be, there will always be a slow, safe, quiet space for you to get away at Lone Oak.

Merry Christmas and with Much Love,

Brian

(Learn more about Brian by CLICKING HERE)

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