Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas everybody! Here's to hoping you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season!

It's December 23rd and seems like the perfect day for a little reflection and sharing. You see it was 15 years ago today that my father passed away peacefully in his sleep. He lived a long and fruitful life creating such a tremendous example along the way. Dad worked for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company in Milwaukee for 46 years...from the time he was 17 until 63 when he retired. Mom and Dad were married 54 years at the time of his passing. Neither of these typically happens any more!

During those years, he was a Toastmaster and volunteered speaking for The United Way enlisting others into the vision of helping the less fortunate. I remember him standing in front of the mirror practicing his talks. He was obviously a huge influence in my becoming a professional speaker and my heart for contribution and legacy. Yesterday, December 22nd was my Mom's 90th birthday.

We talked on the phone and caught up on all the birthday events that my sister Marilyn and brother Bruce shared with her over the last few days down in Florida. Fortunately, mom had a few days off from work...yep, you read it right. At 90 years old she still works nearly 40 hours a week...by choice not by have to! It keeps her up and active...as does her volunteering.

Back a few years ago when mom came to Dallas for my daughter Jordan's high school graduation (Jord graduated from Abilene Christian University last Friday!), she had a shiny new Gold watch. When I asked where she got it (she's not the type to buy something like that), she claiming exclaimed, "Oh from Florida Hospitals for 25 years of volunteering!" Stunned the only thing I could think of was, "You mean you started volunteering at age 65?" Her response, "Doesn't everyone?!" Again, I am very blessed to have such a great role model that continues to inspire me to this day!

And of course there's my beautiful wife Peggy and two amazing kids Taylor and Jordan. November 25th of this year marked 16 years of marriage to Peggy. It's really hard to believe it's been that long! It has really been pretty easy...and we've enjoyed ourselves along the way.

It's not been because things haven't changed or we haven't had challenges along the way. It's because we have been a team through it all. When we first met, business prospects weren't so great...but we handled it head on.

I merged my business with another and spent 10 years investing time and effort working to grow it. Then came the first (of what seems to be many) calling(s) to venture out on my own to speak and train organizations professionally. There were those that thought I wouldn't make it...but not Peggy. She stood by my side.

Over the last 6 and a half years, I have been blessed to speak nearly 1,500 times around the country and the world. Then, about this time last year, it was time to reinvent and modify once again. To say it has been a unique year is an understatement. The bottom line...everything that has transpired has truly been put into my life to benefit me and those I touch going forward. The world IS consipring for my good!

Taylor graduated from the University of Texas in December of 2009, got married in March of 2010 and is doing wonderful things professionally and more importantly, spiritually through his efforts and contributions. What a tremendous walk his has with God!

Jordan graduated from ACU last Friday and is coming back to Dallas gainfully employed as a Physical Therapy technician. She's not only using her education but her personal experience she gained as a college volleyball player. Lord knows she saw her share of the training room off the court...but you would never have known it by her on-court performance. She too has tremendous Faith!

Most importantly, it's time to reflect and share on "The reason for the Season". As a Christian, I am tremendously thankful for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My walk with God has been tremendously strengthened over that last few years (I'm working to be as good as my kids!). I am grateful to those that have helped me along the way to gain greater understanding of what I have not always understood.

So many speakers (myself included) share the old adage, "When the student is ready, the teacher appears!" Interesting that the adage doesn't simply apply to programs being sold from the stage. I can think of few times in my life that the need for Faith has ever been so important. Faith is belief and confidence in the unseen and assurance of the unknown. It has been an honor to do my part at being a far better example of what "walking in Faith" looks like.

While I have plenty of room for growth, it has been an amazing ride to this point. My Christmas wish for you and yours is that you truly find the comfort and peace you need to finish 2011 strong and make 2012 the best year of your life to date.

Thank You for who you are and all that you have touched! If I can ever be of service to you going forward, please feel free to call on me at Scott@ScottSchilling.com or by phone at 972-659-8941.

Merry Christmas and God Bless Us All!