Happy Monday!
What a wonderful weekend! I hope you prioritized yourselves and made some time for rest. As we look into the upcoming busy season, thoughts of self-care may be fleeting, but try to implement your favorite activities to keep your mind, body, emotions, and spirit healthy and functioning well.
Today is Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve. There are many layers to the day. For example, the first mention revolved around a Celtic festival marking the start of winter. Later, the Romans brought more to the occasion, including a goddess of fruit and trees. Thus the apple became a new component. The next piece came as Christianity grew, adding All Hallows’ Eve in preparation for All Saints’ Day, where saints are honored for their contribution to the faith. Finally, in the Middle Ages, people began to observe what we now know as Halloween.
Perhaps more germane to our contemporary observations, November 1st marks the first day of National Native American Heritage month. According to the National Parks Service (nps.gov), during this month Americans:
“… explore the heritage, culture, and experience of Indigenous peoples both historically and in American life today …”
November is when Native American traditions, language, stories, and narratives dating back thousands of years are appreciated. It’s a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the historical contributions and encouraging meaningful partnerships among Nations, sharing to ensure future generations will continue to honor and revere tribal legacies.
Honor is an essential virtue to grasp. This virtue involves respect and willingness to bestow special recognition in a way that promotes the highest regard. It requires truth amid a storm, endless pursuit, and courage when retreat may seem a better option. Nelson Mandela shared these thoughts on honor:
Here are a couple of other thoughts on honor:
“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge
“Never give in – never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” Winston Churchill
Scripture has much to share regarding honor:
“Those who pursue righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 (CEB)
“A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down, but he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor.” Proverbs 29:23 (AMP)
“Be tenderly devoted to one another in brotherly love; outdo one another in giving honor.” Romans 12:10 (TLV)
As you can see, honor has many facets. We honor our saints. We remember and offer homage to people groups. We honor those who have influenced our lives. And we honor our Creator by modeling virtuous behavior.
Consider honor this week as you make plans. First, think about how you honor yourself in prioritizing your wellbeing. Then, look for ways to model honorable qualities to others through your purposeful and chance meetings. It would be terrific to begin the holiday season with honor in our minds.
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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