Make your own list

There are many different resources for finding interesting places in the world to visit. One of my favorites is Howard Hillman's list of the 100 Top Wonders.

I have been to 14 out of the 100 top wonders (which to some it a lot, to others it is hardly anything) and plan to visit a few more over the summer. While there are many different lists in which to choose from I suggest you make one of your own. Think of the places that you would love to visit, practical or not, and make it your goal to make those dreams come true.

(http://www.hillmanwonders.com/)

Change of Topic...

While character qualities are very important I have concluded that writing about a different one each time is kind of, well, not interesting. So, instead I have decided to change my blog theme to something that is incredibly important to me and something that encompasses much of my life: Traveling.
Some could say that I have an abnormal obsession with travel but I would say it is fairly average. I was raised in home school which allowed me the privilege of traveling throughout high school. I heard a quote once and it says,

"The world is like a book and those who don't travel only read one page."

I find this incredibly accurate. Traveling opens up ones mind to other ways of thinking as well as other ways of doing. Just because we do something a certain way here in America doesn't necessarily mean it is the only way, let alone the best way. Another advantage of traveling is that it makes you appreciate being a citizen of the United States.
It is such an important thing to experience and something everyone should do.

Cautiousness

Cautiousness is another important character quality. Bill Gothard says this of cautiousness: "Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions."
Sometimes people try to achieve to many things all at one time. We don't want to wait. We have become a world of instant gratification. We know what we want and we want it now. Instead we should try to be more cautious, think about our decisions and meditate on them.
We are blessed to live in a world where we can have almost anything instantly but with this blessing comes an impatience for waiting. We complain about standing in line, the slow Internet connection, etc. Instead of being so quick to complain maybe it is us that should slow down.

Boldness

Boldness is defined in the Webster Dictionary as : fearless before danger. Bill Gothard says that boldness is "Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God."
There are many circumstances in life that call for action yet no one seems to want to be the one to act. Yes, we will complain about the injustices and wrongdoings, but do something about it? No, that is better left for someone else. In a day when many people consider themselves leaders, it seems that we are at a lack for boldness. Standing up for what you believe in and spark debate against the popular trend. Questioning long-standing tradition is not necessarily wrong if it is approached in a honest manner. Be bold, stand up for what you believe in, say something.
It is just like the story of kids on a playground. Sally gets made fun of by one of the bullies and her friend, Jane says nothing. After the bully leaves and Jane comes over to comfort Sally she realizes Sally is mad at her ! Sally is mad because Jane did nothing to help her. It is one thing to cause the problem but it is another to stand by and do nothing to help.
A more serious example is the young girl who was raped outside of a school dance. Police said that many other students saw what was happening and did nothing to stop it. What a tragedy.

Day 3: Availability

Day 3: Availability

Availability is the third character quality, according to Bill Gothard. He states that one should consider "making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving." Availability is the opposite of self-centerdness. It is making yourself useful to those around you in order to help them. A mother is the best example of availability. The mother changes her schedule on a daily basis in order to accommodate those around her whether it is her children or husband.
In the college setting one could volunteer for a local organization. In the end, you will find that helping others really helps yourself. And if you needed help, wouldn't you want someone there for you as well?

Attentiveness

Attentiveness is an important character quality that one should have.
Bill Gothard states that attentiveness is "showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions."
Many people are multi-taskers, if not by choice then by necessity. We don't have time to focus on one thing at a time because, simply, there isn't enough time. I once was told a story of a great listener. Many people who knew this woman raved about how wonderful she was and what a great person she was. After meeting her for the first time I realized why everyone thought so highly of her. When she speaks to you she speaks only to you. She gives you her undivided attention. There are a lot of people in society who are not like this anymore. They talk on the cell phone while surfing the Internet and eating dinner. It seems that even if you are right in front of someone they are continually looking around, checking there cell phone or lost in their own thoughts. It is time to slow down and do one thing at a time; finish that one thing and then move on to the next. Also, give a person your undivided attention when they speak to you.

Character Qualities Introduction

Character Qualities

1. Alertness
2. Attentiveness
3. Availability
4. Boldness
5. Cautiousness
6. Compassion
7. Contentment
8. Creativity
9. Decisiveness
10. Deference
11. Dependability
12. Determination
13. Diligence
14. Discernment
15. Discretion
16. Endurance
17. Enthusiasm
18. Faith
19. Flexibility
20. Forgiveness

Each day I will focus on one of the character qualities as according to Bill Gothard. Today, the first day of my blog, will be about alertness.

Day 1: Alertness
The test had been announced in advance, which meant the students had the chance to study and come to class well prepared. Test papers were handed out, and the college exam commenced. One by one as students reached the end of the test they read the final question with consternation. Some grunted in disgust. One student exclaimed, "You''re kidding, right?" Another asked, "Does the last question count toward our grade?" It had to be a joke.
"Yes, it does." replied the teacher, somewhat tersely.
When all the papers were handed in, the professor finally explained. The last question was, "What is the first name of the man who cleans our school?" Virtually every student had been stumped. All of them saw him almost every day. But his name? If kids spoke to his ti was usually "Hey, dude." Few students knew his name was Otis.
(Excerpt from a book by Deborah Norville)

This excerpt from Deborah Norville's book is a great example of alertness. It seems more common then not that society as a whole is busy. We have work, school, homework, after-school activities, families, etc. Being diligent with ones time is an admirable trait but one should be careful to never be so busy that they ignore the people around them. People are important, human relationships are crucial. As the famous quote goes, "No man is an Island."
Look around today and say "Hi" to someone you normally don't speak to.