Let’s see, it’s been 8 days since a lot of New Year’s resolutions were made. Are you hanging in there or have you chucked them out the window moaning about how hard they are to keep? Do you realize that what you speak will determine the choices you make? In other words, you can talk yourself out of anything that looks the least bit hard. On the other hand, you can cheer yourself on to victory.
I wonder how many people spend their lives wishing they had said or done something different. I wonder how many people keep looking back with regret at things they can’t change. Looking back didn’t work well for Lot’s wife and it won’t work well for you either. You might not turn into a giant salt shaker but you will find yourself missing out on the joys of today and the wonders of tomorrrow
When trials hit, an immature believer asks “when am I going to get out of these troubles?” But the one who knows their God rests assured knowing that every trial has a purpose. And they will ask “what am I going to get out of this trial”? You may not know immediately what you’re learning but I guarantee you that something is changing inside you….and it’s gonna’ be good!!
The highest form of giving is to give when it’s not returned. As the young nurse spoke, touched and encouraged the woman who had suffered a cerebral aneurysm, she was determined to treat this woman with respect even though she had no conscious control over her body, even though she was dying, even though she seemed to be totally unaware of the care. But one holiday, the nurse was asked to come in on her day off. It was then that she told the woman that she was so glad to see …her and was happy to come in on her day off to be with her. As the nurse looked at the patient, a tear ran down the patient’s cheek. It was the only sign given that she was aware of the kindness that had been shown her. Just a few days later, the woman passed away. Oh the joy of giving your love, your kindness, your everything when it can’t possibly be returned…just ask that nurse.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And wisdom to know the difference.” Oh those words are powerful. If we don’t know the difference between what we can and cannot change, we will wear ourselves our fighting battles that never produce the results we want. There’s peace when we know the difference.
Faith is a bird that can sing while it’s still dark. No matter what’s happening in your life, no matter how dark it gets….know that you can sing His praises today because He is working even when it’s too dark to see His hand. Trust Him when you don’t understand Him. And remember that His way is always better than we could have imagined.