Courage for 2007

You blinked, and seven years rolled by since you celebrated the new millennium. Someone told me that time for older folks is like a roll of toilet paper, it speeds up as it gets closer to the end !

When the calendar rolls into a new year, I choose a new theme for the adventure of life that lies ahead : 2005 was “hope”, 2006 was “celebrate” and 2007 will be “courage”.

Why courage ?

Farm families call out for support and encouragement when they have courage to ask for resources to bounce back and deal with constant change. As a farm family business coach my passion is to fill the farmer’s toolbox with practical tools to pry open healthy relationships. This takes courage. Courage to admit, courage to call, and courage to collect the family around a table to converse.

Picking a theme for 2007 can help you focus, and then execute. New Year’s resolutions may work for 10% of the population. Themes, I find, are gentler and kinder…they don’t demand as much, but they work.

I’ve already found a polished rock with the word “courage” in bold gold letters. I will collect quotes about courage, and reflect on them often. (see www.quotegarden.com or www.biblegateway.com)

I will face the fear of being misunderstood, and ask some pretty direct questions…with compassion.
I will look for new ways of being a practical advisor to a culture of people who now make up less than 2% of the Canadian population…that’s farm folks.
I will ask for honest feedback on how I am doing as a wife, mother, coach, and friend.
I will let go of stuff that I am emotionally tied to, because it languishes in my basement under the dust bunnies, never seeing daylight or activity.
I will speak up for those who have no voice that is recognized by the powers that could change the situation.
I will give sacrificially of my time and resources to improve the lot of those less fortunate.
I will wear comfortable clothes, and have “no make-up” days and still feel beautiful, by my standards, not the magazines’ standards.
I will listen more, and speak more carefully.
I will speak the “word of the Lord” as a blessing to folks I know, and strangers who are friends I haven’t met yet. I will write scripture verses in cards . Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
I will reflect on what you believe is truth, and give a compassionate reflection of my faith in response.
I will weep openly and not be concerned about your judgment of my mental health. Crying is a courageous act which happens to really feel good as a release some days.
I will ask your permission to pray for you as we close off our phone conversation, because the blessing of prayer is a healing salve to those who have lost courage to act.

“In a world of froth and bubble, two things stand like stone…kindness in another’s trouble…courage in your own.” (Adam Lindsay Gordon)

What will your theme be for 2007 ?

Elaine Froese is a catalyst for courageous conversations and creative change. She coaches family businesses and delivers keynotes to ag.communities across Canada. See www.elainefroese.com or share your theme at elaine@elainefroese.com, call 1-866-848-8311

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