I think one thing we might reflect upon around this time is what a huge difference one person can make in this world. Jesus was living in the Middle East over 2,000 years ago and look at what a huge impact he still has in this world every day! Lincoln is another. He was on the political stage for a very short time, but look at what he accomplished.

It concerns me to see so much pessimism, especially among young people since the 2016 election. Self reliance, hard work & optimism have always seemed central to the American Way in my mind. The country has been through very rough times before, and yet the overall trajectory has been upward, for a better world, in large part due to the individual actions of many great people. I am optimistic that this can & will continue into the future.

After all, we now have the advantage that, more than ever before, men & women of all kinds of backgrounds, races, cultures, religions and more have a real opportunity to contribute to our path forward. Surely this will lead to good things. That’s how I see it anyway.

My friends, I hope you will all enjoy a wonderful holiday season and will be ready to do more great things in 2019 and years to come.