Jon Bohm

I am in the middle of a great book by Donald Miller “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.”

Great book, and it’s all about “story.”  What makes a great story?  What makes a story worth watching, reading, or even living?

It got me thinking about my life….. am I living a story?  Would anyone watch it as a movie?  Would anyone read it?  Does anyone care?  Or, would I have to add a bunch of things to my boring life to make it a real “story?”

I have concluded, I am living a story.  I don’t know that anyone would watch it, but it is an epic story.  What about you?

Are you living a story?

Every great story meets the following criteria:

• It has a character that wants something so bad that they are willing to overcome any obstacle, run through any wall, and conquer any mountain to get it.  Without that, you don’t have a story.  You are the character in your story, are you on an adventure towards something you want?  What is it?  Are you willing to overcome the obstacles to realize your dreams?

• Every story starts with a look into the character’s life and mind.  The story shows you that the character is a “good” person, a person making in a difference in some way. Why?  Because, nobody cares if the character wins in the end if we don’t know they are a “good” person, making a difference.  Are you making a significant difference?  Does the world see an impact because of you in some big or small way?  Do people want you to win in the end?  Do people rally around you and your cause? Or, are you standing idly by?

• In every story the character doesn’t really and truly make changes towards the life they want until something makes them move.  Someone loses a job, loses a spouse, loses an opportunity, loses a life, a friend, or focus and they are finally forced or driven to change. Are you saying you want to do, see, get, or be someone someday?  What is it?  Why don’t you have it yet?  Are you waiting for an event to make you move?  What has to happen in your life before you are willing to go after the life you want?  What can you do to make it happen now?

A trusted person who has demonstrated the ability to give and focus on others gave me some ideas for  serving others and finding fulfillment during the Holidays, please comment and add your ideas to the list!

Some possibilities:

1. Deliver meals on wheels so the person who normally does that volunteer work will have more time with their loved ones

2. Invite someone who will be alone to participate in your family’s holiday celebrations

3. Take time to go visit a friend who has become homebound due to age-related or health challenges

4. Consider giving time or a gift in the name of your children or grandchildren who may already have their needs well supplied.

5. Consider giving a Shelter Box in the name of your family - then share with them the news of where your family was able to make a real difference when the box is finally placed

6. Call those family members who are separated by miles - especially those in the older generations who have already lost some of their siblings and many of their dear friends

7. Share a few fond memories of “how it used to be” with your children and grandchildren - too often this history is lost and the bridge between generations is damaged

8. When you prepare those family favorite dishes, make copies of the recipe to have available for those who enjoy it.

9. Give everyone you meet a warm, friendly smile!

10. Take time to follow your spiritual traditions and be true to the moral compass your faith brings to you.

11. Find a way (phone programs, gift boxes, letters, etc.) to send to our troops all around the globe who are separated from loved ones during the Holidays.

12.  My personal favorite. Start a new program that feeds those who need it, food, clothing, and gifts.

I would love to hear your ideas as well.  Merry Christmas!

Enjoy Life!

Jon Bohm