Changing Your Approach

IT is that time of the year again and the train called life appears to be approaching that invisible, illusive line that separates one time period from another.

I am not sure if illusive is the right word, but there is definitely a line nonetheless, because time is real and for most of us time means something.

A new age always seems to suggest change and everyone wants good change; everyone wants life to blossom, as time dawns on a new year and if, even for a moment, we feel that there is something we could do to push it towards our desired direction, then we will.

For some that might translate to constructing a good vision, compiling a new set of goals, praying, partying or sleeping as the new year comes and the old year goes (hopefully it goes with everything undesirable).

What Truly Counts
IT is very unlikely that time would strip us of all the undesirable aspects of our lives.

While it might help somewhat, the bulk of change has to occur within us. Making new resolutions count, but the aspect that would give the most dramatic change to our internal image and external communication is the approach we take towards life.

Whether it has to do with some external aspect or some internal conflict, your outlook must change if you are to meet challenges with strength, meet responsibilities with passion and rest, regardless of circumstances.

Preparing for a new dispensation in life is admirable, yet it requires that one let go of every weight that weighs down and put on strength.

No Excess Baggage
“WHEREFORE, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 KJV).

Sometimes, we cannot tell how easily weighed down we are when we have unresolved issues in our minds, like grudges, worries or a complex. If an apology is what is needed, get it over with.

Sometimes, it could be destructive relationship, no matter how painful it might be to break it up, you would have a more secure future if you get closure now.

Sometimes, it is a bad habit or a negative way of thinking. Renew your mind with the word of God. Whatever the situation might be, a fresh start means we do not leave undone things that need to be done.
Scatter Seeds Of Good Will

“CAST thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days (Ecclesiastes 11:1 KJV).

This can be so easy to do, and what better stimulant do we need than this season of benevolence and hospitality.

The number of things we could do and the number of ways to express oneself abound. Whether it is a thoughtful gift, a gracious greeting or being a gracious guest, sowing goodwill doesn’t cost much at all (most times).

At first thought, receiving a message from such a large corporation, like a bank, might not seem a big deal, especially if you figure you are just a number in a bulk message service.

However, the thought and effort does count and a well-timed message is appreciated.

Good deeds honestly and graciously given are always a debt life repays. Fill your life with it and in time, it would repay you when you most need it.

Sow into the lives of your spouse and when you are weak, you would reap strength from them.

Be gracious, even to your enemy, and you might find in them loyalty that is hard to come by.

Strength That Is Found In Peaceful Slumber

“SLOW down.” That is the best advice a number of us need to take. You would be surprised at the perspective and insight a little change in activity and bodily rest can give to a person.

Yes, take a rest from the news around the world; being informed hardly affects anything, save the way we think.

Slow down. Don’t respond, speak less, listen, do nothing, be silent, take a nap, think about something different for a change, choose not to worry, find peace in prayer, take a nap.

External influences should not dictate what we think on as we go to sleep or what we think on when we wake.