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Nothing stays the same, things always change. I have heard these words all of my life. But, never did I really contemplate the truth behind such a simple statement. In every moment change is happening. So, what can we do to change in the ‘right’ direction?
This moment is not the same.
It is true! life never stays the same. Oh, we try to keep things as they are, but in the end, things do change. We may believe that everything is the same as it was yesterday, but if you looked back on this moment from even a week in the future you would see a change – no matter how slight.
People, relationships, our looks, our likes, and dislikes, our hair color even the words we habitually use take on a new and different character little by little.
One example of this is when your child becomes an adult and begins to make their decisions and pursue a career and map out the life that they want to live. No matter how hard you fight, you just cannot keep them little and the same. That little angel (or angels) will undoubtedly grow up and be the very occasion of testing for all of the wonderful virtues that you have been developing in your own changing.
If only I could Be as Holy as I am when I am alone
Many days I have spent reading Sacred Scripture and listening to powerful podcasts from Spiritual mature Priests and/or speakers. As they encourage me to commit again to being a patient, loving and gentle person, wife and parent only to be disappointed the moment the school bus arrives and my lovely children stampede of the bus pushing & shoving each other on their way into the house and ultimately the kitchen for food!
Then ugly happens. I quickly proceed to be a very loud Christian woman yelling and trying to corral them all, then separate, then explain why their behavior is very rude and disrespectful. All the while behaving in the way that I was just trying to correct them about.
I’m happy nothing stays the same
I have learned many lessons through situations like the one described above. I, at that moment, had a choice. Behave the way I knew I should, or give in to the feeling of disappointment inside of me. Our greatest gift as children of God is the ability and grace to choose our response.
One reason this is so powerful is because things will definitely change in one direction or the other, we have to intentionally decide what we need to do to make sure that our behavior ends up moving ultimately in the right & good direction as much as we have control over.
Yes everything changes, but does it change for the good or the bad? The direction of the change that is in your realm of influence (your mood, your response, your thoughts, your actions) is up to you. We have the decision to respond in an intentional way or react in the heat of the moment in any given situation.
One scripture passage that I have turned to many times is Deuteronomy 30:19-20
19) I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live,
20) by loving the LORD, your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him. For that will mean life for you, a long life for you to live on the land which the LORD swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give to them.
The way I understand this passage, is we have a choice. In everything, we have a choice. Life is in the good and right choice & the blessings. And death is in the bad or wrong choice & the curse.
My effort: My Transformation
Many choices come before us each day. So, how do we make the right one? Well, for me it takes a lot of prayer and surrender every single day! I have to recommit again and again. Perfection is far from any of our reach. It is getting up again and trying again that will make us stronger than the day before. Not perfect, but just a bit better! This is all we can really strive for.
And if wanting to be better is on your heart, then God has already begun to work in you. The desire itself is purely a grace from the Almighty himself! Such a gift!
So, when I lose my patience and totally act in a way that is definitely not characterized as Christian, I know that I need to receive God’s Mercy and then show up again tomorrow and decide to try to make the right decision. To choose life and the blessings that God promises!
Often a good night’s sleep can change your perspective on just about anything. Every morning we have a new day, a new chance to improve.
Yes – things certainly change! But, each morning ask yourself,
- “In which direction do I want to go today?
- “Do I want to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday?”
- “Do I want life or death? A blessing or a Curse?”
And remember that God’s grace is sufficient and he is there to strengthen you and me all along the way.
Then take a deep breath. Own your decision. And proceed accordingly and choose your direction!
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