These are difficult times that we live in filled with chaos and strife occurring

globally, within our own community, and perhaps our own family. As a

school leader I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of teachers

and staff members over the past several decades along with thousands of

parents and students. I have worked closely with people who have

suffered immeasurable loss and heartache and yet have approached

suffering with such incredible perspective, positive attitude and gratitude

while enduring their pain.

It is clear to me that one's own internal thermometer, so to speak, one's

own attitude and mental framework determines how one will cope with

life's' events, both large and small. You know those people who are

optimistic and enthusiastic no matter what. Each of us has friends who are

typically upbeat most of the time, ready to take on the day, handling the

negatives and curve balls thrown their way and have the keen ability to see

the good in any situation. Then there are the pessimists who are fearful,

negative most of the time and see what is wrong with any good thing that

comes their way. These folks are "prophets of doom" about most things

that happen.

pessimists? Is this an innate trait that we are genetically predisposed to?"

I am certain that there is a genetic component to our personalities. Yet, I

have also seen those who have had a "change in attitude" who learned to

see things differently - those who previously "saw the glass half empty,"

some may have experienced an unexpected life event, or now choose to

see things in a new perspective, or have learned to "see the glass half full."

What I am referring to is daily life's perspective and experience. How we

choose to view life, people, work, family, friends, and our daily reality is

truly a choice we have control over. We can see evil intent, impure

motives, and join the gossip of destruction or we can choose to build

others up, see the good, give others the benefit of the doubt, not expend

negative energy, and instead make a choice to become a positive

influence in the lives of others we encounter.

These positive people are truly "lights shining in the darkness." They are

encouragers and uplifters. They are sparks that can ignite a fire of energy

and enthusiasm! I know many such people and I love being around them.

Don't you? You will notice that the optimistic ("glass half full") people are

typically sought out by others and never lack friends. There is a group of

caring parents who are shining examples of this positive energy. They

have started their own Facebook Group, "I Support CVCHS." Their

purpose is "for all the positive things about CVCHS, our teachers,

students, parents and administrators" to be supported in our community.

Got to love the positive energy, goodness and peace that this group wants

to share and celebrate all the good that is happening at CVCHS!

This time of the year is a time of reflection on oneself and one's own

attitude. It is a time of great opportunity to share your love, appreciation

and gratitude to others in your life. It is a time to forgive one's enemies and

to forgive oneself. Take time to tell others what you appreciate about them

and how thankful you are for them. An "attitude of gratitude" is contagious!

In closing, take a moment to reflect on these words:

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude,

to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes,

than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we

embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the

fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude...

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes"   Charles Swindoll

I invite you today, to join me in making this world a better place by

extinguishing darkness with light, and overcoming hate with love.

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with love, laughter,

May Peace Be With You,

Dave Linzey

Executive Director