It is one day after Thanksgiving Day and I am thinking about all I have to be thankful for. Our house is full of relatives including great grandparents, grandparents, moms, dads, uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. All come together out of love for one another and for the opportunity to spend some time together. We have been having the older group of relatives coming to our house for Thanksgiving for the past 30 years! Now the “kids” of years ago are coming with their kids who have the opportunity to experience the love of relatives who do not live as close to them as we would all like. It is a great time and a blessing to have them all here. I have gotten a little sentimental when I see the new crop of “kids- kids” and I am thankful to be able to hold them close and feel their unconditional acceptance of my love for them.

What does all of this have to do with Christmas? For me it is a real reminder to carry the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas (showing love and respect for one another) into all aspects of my life. It is the reminder to give up my petty differences and to get reunited with those who have meant the most to me. For me, it is also the belief that God the Father demonstrated His love for us by giving us the most precious gift of his Son who in-turn gave His life so all of us may live. For me, this gift from the Father cannot be earned but must be accepted and is the truest example of what giving and accepting is all about. This gift from the Father should be first on my mind for the coming Christmas holiday but unfortunately, I have to admit I forget to place this precious gift first in my thoughts, as many times I get caught up in the material things Christmas has become to represent. For each of us this Christmas Holiday can be the reminder of God’s gift of life, family and friends, of those still with us as well as the blessing we have had of those HE has chosen to be with Him.

Thanksgiving and Christmas should allow us all to let go of our selfishness putting ourselves before others. These holidays should remind us to let go of our anger toward others (even members of our family business!) which will allowing us to make the first moves toward real reconciliation. Those of us in family businesses let this be the time for us to remember that the business is not to be placed before our family. These holidays should be a reminder to each of us of what is most important in our lives and if we are realistic we will find that money and the business are further down the priority list than we really imagined. Ask other family members to put down what is important to them in their lives today. Share it with one another. Remember our first job is to be thankful and forgiving to our family relationships first. The “return” on this emotional investment will change your life.

Call us for some “tips” on how to take the first steps toward stronger family relationships. It is our holiday gift to you and your family.

Give it a try. Have a Merry Christmas.

Call us: 888-273-8307

e-mail:
Jim@challengesinc.com
ann@challengesinc.com
Laurenowen427@gmail.com
SBoros@zoominternet.net

Blog: www.familybusinesschatter.com

Jim’s new book “Roadmap to Success” offers tips for personal and business success. They make great holiday gifts. Books can be ordered by visiting our web site: www.challengesinc.com

“We offer custom built strategies for families involved in businesses to strengthen relationships, increase performance, and ensure your family business legacy and value. We also provide online assessments that can help decrease turnover and increase employee productivity.”