To Inspire:

A Happy New Year from all of us at The Joseph Group.

Last night I (Matt) watched the Orange Bowl – which featured two very good football teams – Penn State and Notre Dame. A great game – which Notre Dame won 27-24 on a last second field goal. The field goal was the result of an interception thrown by Penn State quarterback Drew Allar as he was attempting to drive his team down the field for what would have been a winning field goal for them. Instead, the 20-year-old junior made a critical error – one that was key to Notre Dame’s victory.

My heart goes out to this young man. He made a mistake that will keep his team from going to the national championship game; it’s hard to imagine how badly he must be feeling today.

And yet, perhaps all of us can relate to Drew. Haven’t we all done something in our life that we regret deeply: a rash decision, a selfish action, some behavior or comment that has hurt ourselves and others? Of course we have. And perhaps many of us carry that with us to this day.

My hope and prayer is that Drew Allar will move beyond the mistake he made last night; that he will not let this one poor decision dictate how he sees himself and how he lives his life going forward. My hope and prayer is also that others will not hold it against him – that teammates, coaches, and fans will rally around him and support him.

I have the same hope and prayer for all of us. As we enter this New Year – full of great challenges and yet full of hope and promise, don’t let a past mistake keep you from moving forward with your life. If the mistake is something you need to seek forgiveness for – from God or from someone you’ve hurt, go and ask for that forgiveness. Forgive yourself as well. This life is too short, and you have too much potential, too many God-given gifts, and too many opportunities ahead to wallow in self-pity or regret. Reflect deeply on the person God has made you to be and pursue that vision with passion and purpose. Keep your life focused on the present moment and your future dreams and goals – the person you want to become and the life you want to build. And don’t let your past dictate your future.

You were made for greatness – in this New Year, we pray that all our clients and friends will seek and live that greatness – with joy, hope, and love. God Bless!

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder