REFLECTIONS

2 PARAGRAPHS 4 LIBERTY: 406

Guess what? The year 2024 is quickly coming to a close, and the year 2025 will soon be upon us. (So I’m sure that all of you appreciate reading these editions, because otherwise you might not have noticed this.) But please join me in being reflective with the coming of the New Year. So in that regard, although I have mentioned this before, I will again ask you the question of “What is the worst thing that can happen to a person?” Of course that is about as general a question as can be asked, but for me the answer is for people to be on their death beds and look back over their life and think “I wish I would have . . .” or “I wish I would not have . . .” Truly sad. So don’t let that happen to you! And what is the best thing in life? My answer is “Gratification:” Knowing that because you spent your span of years on this planet the world is a somewhat better place. Not only did you bring some happy and successful children into the world, but maybe you helped save the redwoods, mentored other people’s children, or just sang in the church choir, which brought cheer and extra meaning to others. But that is what life is (or should be) about.

Fortunately I grasped that concept back when I was in high school, and I have tried not to miss opportunities throughout my lifetime as they have arisen. And, basically, all of us are blessed to live when, where and how we are, which means that generally we can do anything we want (within some reason). We can’t do everything, but we can virtually do anything. So when I had the opportunity to join the Peace Corps after I graduated from college, I did it. And I was a scout master when my two boys were in the Cub Scouts, and other things as well as time went along. No, by no means am I the perfect person (Just ask my wife . . .) but I have tried to be cognizant of opportunities as they have arisen, and have selectively tried to take advantage of them so I don’t regret not having done so as time went along. So Happy New Year to our Wonderful 2 Paragraphs Family, and I wish the Blessings of a Gratifying Life Upon Each and Every One of You!

Quote for the week: “A bad attitude is like a flat tire; if you don’t change it you won’t go anywhere.” Joyce Meyer

Judge Jim Gray (Ret.) Superior Court of Orange County, California 2012 Libertarian Candidate for Vice President

Please listen to our radio show entitled All Rise! The Libertarian Way with Judge Jim Gray as we discuss timely ssues and show how they will be addressed more beneficially by employing Libertarian values and approaches. The series has concluded, but you can still hear any edition On Demand at https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/3883. And, by the way, these 2 Paragraphs columns are now on my website at www.JudgeJImGray.com, Facebook and LinkedIn at judgejimgray, Twitter at judgejamesgray, and wordpress at judgejimgray.wordpress.com. Please visit these sites for past editions, and do your part to spread the word about the importance of Liberty. In addition, my new book with the same title as my radio show is now available at Amazon.com., as is my wife Grace’s and my new novel centered about School Choice entitled 2030 KIDS: We are the Rising Heroes of the Planet. Please read and discuss them with your friends, and send in a review.