A Winning Hand



A Winning Hand

This year, as I sat to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with friends-laughter floating across the table, stories being passed like side dishes-my spirit felt unusually quickened. I experienced the familiar gratitude that Thanksgiving always brings, something quieter, yet more urgent: an awareness that the challenges and blessings of this year felt both intimately familiar and achingly fleeting. Time has its own rhythm, but this year it seemed to move with a swifter current. Perhaps you, too, have sensed that change since last January. At the same time there came a moment of feeling helpless to these things that have so rapidly changed, affecting so many facets of our lives. I took a deep breath and allowed myself to feel the weight and wonder of these past months.

It was at that moment that I recognized the power of this season -the short, sacred space between one national celebration of gratitude, Thanksgiving, and another celebration grounded in hope, Christmas. Too often we fill it with the “busy stuff”: lists, errands, last-minute purchases. Yet this narrow passage of time asks for something different for us this year. What have we learned? What have we survived? What have we gained? What must we finally release so we will stop our “stinking thinking” and allow our minds and hearts to reset? Romans 12:2 KJV “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”.

I invite you to join me in taking an opportunity to reframe our thinking—letting go of what we cannot control and taking responsibility for the things, we have promised ourselves and others we will do. Reflection is not indulgent; it is preparation. Renewal is not passive; it is intentional. And clarity—real clarity—comes only when we slow down long enough to hear that still, small inner voice…and obey.

Reflection is both spiritual and practical. To honor the Source—God—and to serve as faithful stewards of what we’ve been given, this is the moment to take concrete steps that protect your family and your legacy. Begin with a simple but powerful action: call a family meeting. Let your loved ones know whom you are appointing as your medical power of attorney and who will manage your financial affairs should you become unable to do so. (Remember COVID?)  Then put those words into action—have your power of attorney documents properly prepared and recorded.

Next, review the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts. These small acts can spare your family profound confusion and heartache later, whether you become disabled or pass on. It is always better to have something in place and not need it than to need it and not have it. Take this time now, before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season arrives—just do it.

As Christmas lights appear in windows and the joys and beauty of the season fill the air - take heed.  Reflect deeply. Give thanks freely. Prepare wisely. Step confidently toward the promise of a “new you” winning at this game of life – the “new you” that is ready to get your house in order, knowing that God is in charge and He will order your steps.  You have a winning hand if you play it right – no one and nothing can trump you.

My best to you and yours,

Bren Sheriff, CSA

THIS WEEK’S QUIZ : What happens if a person with Medicare insurance moves to another state?  

Answer to the last week’s quiz: Yes, if a man dies and was divorced from two wives, each after ten years of marriage, both ex-wives may qualify to collect FULL Social Security survivor benefits of their deceased ex-husband.

For Questions or Help: 773-817-0601 or basheriff1@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The illustrations presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, or any other licensed professional advice, you should contact the licensed professional of your choice for advice on your individual situation.

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