The New Year brings such hope and high expectations. It's almost as if we give ourselves permission to start over or at least make a few changes. We examine what is working for us and what is not. I wonder why it is so hard to give ourselves permission to do this at anytime of year or at any age? Why should young people wait until they graduate to begin being productive and successful? Why do men in their 50's and 60's think it is too late to make changes? Is it hard? Sure! But isn't that what life is all about? Doing our work to the glory of God? A free man can accomplish more than one in bondage. Our bondage is in not shackles around our ankles, but in our way of thinking and in our way of doing things.
We must not be afraid to make changes. Some changes we may want to make are physical. Some changes we may need to make are in relationships. Some relationships need to be made closer, and some may need distance. Other changes may be financial; not necessarily making more money, but perhaps better management of what we already have been given. Perhaps giving more to the poor, missionaries, or investing in the future generations. Another change may be rethinking our career(s).
While we examine what changes we need to make this year to make our lives as efficient and successful as can be, let's be careful to acknowledge areas that cannot be changed. There may be a physical issue (sickness, disability, etc), that cannot be changed, but how we view the issue is something we can change. Perhaps what the Lord would want to accomplish in these areas is a change in our ATTITUDE. There is truth in the old saying, 'If life gives you lemons …. make lemonade'. We all have a relationship (or two) that is not ideal. Some of these relationships may never change. In God's refusal to change this relationship for us, it is our ATTITUDE that He wants to refine. We cannot change other people, but we can change ourselves, by God's grace. When it comes to finances, we may be limited to a certain degree. No matter how God chooses to provide for us, we must receive it with thanksgiving. Our career is another area where our skills may limit us, and we may need to accept that we will not be the next pop singer at the top of the charts.
While acknowledging that there are some things that we cannot change, there is A LOT that we can do! It is not always easy. There will be a lot of stumbling, falling and getting back up along the way. You have to push yourself out of your comfort zone and quit listening to all the people that cannot (WILL NOT) think out of the box. Not every endeavor will be successful, THAT IS OK! Be willing to make sacrifices. Be willing to work hard and broaden your opportunities. You are never too old, nor too young to learn, to try something different.
The most important thing is to have a heart for God. Seek God, not His riches. Remember that His rewards are to be used to bless others. If you are trying to make life better just for the sake of making YOUR life better, you will never have peace and you sure won't experience joy.
Jeff and Kathy Brodock