FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Happy 2013, my friends!

I hope all is well with you and your families-

The year of 2013 to me will be about thankfulness. Thankful for my family, friends, and the life that God has blessed me with today. I recently realized that the older I get, time seems to go by faster and faster. It has made me stop and reflect about what I have done in my life and what my legacy will be when I depart this earth. I came across this story about life and what is important to us every day. We go so fast and furious to get to the next task, we do not stop and enjoy the day God has given us to enjoy.

This story is about a beautiful, expensively dressed lady who complained to her psychiatrist that she felt that her whole life was empty; it had no meaning.

So the counselor called over the old lady who cleaned the office floors, and then said to the rich lady, "I'm going to ask Mary here to tell you how she found happiness. All I want you to do is listen."

So the old lady put down her broom and sat on a chair and told her story: "Well, my husband died of malaria and three months later my only son was killed by a car. I had nobody... I had nothing left. I couldn't sleep; I couldn't eat; I never smiled at anyone, I even thought of taking my own life. Then one evening a little kitten followed me home from work. Somehow I felt sorry for that kitten. It was cold outside, so I decided to let the kitten in. I got it some milk, and it licked the plate clean. Then it purred and rubbed against my leg, and for the first time in months, I smiled. Then I stopped to think; if helping a little kitten could make me smile, maybe doing something for people could make me happy. So the next day I baked some biscuits and took them to a neighbor who was sick in bed. Every day I tried to do something nice for someone. It made me so happy to see them happy. Today, I don't know of anybody who sleeps and eats better than I do. I've found happiness, by giving it to others."

When she heard that, the rich lady cried. She had everything that money could buy, but she had lost the things which money cannot buy.

Let's take the time in 2013 to remember who we are and why God sent us into this world in the first place! We should celebrate each and every day, as if it's our last!

What legacy will you leave? Have a safe and prosperous New Year.

Michael Green and Company