|
Love as a character trait is getting renewed attention these days. NFL players are wearing "Choose Love" on the back of their helmets—a powerful message of empathy and unity inspired by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The NFL says this phrase reflects core values of humanity, dignity, and resilience against violence. Another enduring example of the character strength of love was the team-driven performance and post-championship winning words of Indiana University’s Quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, who, along with his family, have transcended incredible setbacks with deep faith, love, and—clearly—unbeatable resilience.
Through the holidays and into the start of this new year, I’ve witnessed love in motion in the efforts of our team of young leaders, in our Board members, and in the overwhelming generosity of our donors. And then there’s my mom, Kitty, sitting across the table from me, spending an entire day helping me fold thank you letters and stuffing over 150 envelopes, then joining me on the trek to the Vacaville Post Office…now THAT is love… all of it, a beautiful tapestry woven through every patch of the quilt that covered this holiday season.
Strengthening those seams of love is the golden thread of gratitude…that through this nonprofit, I get to express my love—to Nick for being the son he was and thanking him for his spirit that inspires us; gratitude for Jay who always believes in me and what I hope is possible; and gratitude to everyone reading this, because you are the reason we get to share a love that is bigger than anything we are humanly capable of ... thanks to all the amazing young people who tell us how grateful they are to have Thrive in Joy in their lives.
My prayer, as we start this new year, is that we can take the power of love—one of the C11 character strengths—onto our own fields of play because, I believe, there is no better way to reach our goals than to touch the hearts of others.
| 
