I've been thinking a lot about what I want out of life. What can I put into my life and the lives of those around me? I feel like there's something out there-great- for me to accomplish, but what is it?
This past Sunday my friends' Pastor, Greg Locke, of Global Vision Bible Church challenged us to start a life list- things we want to accomplish in our life. He said keeping it at a minimum would be better than having a long list. So, here is my list of 5.
Number 1: Value People Everyday
This may be a bit different than the typical "travel the world" but to me it is more important. What I do here on earth for the glory of God far outweighs any self fulfilling trips or materialistic properties. When I lay my head on my pillow I want to know that I added value to someone's life. I want that person to be better because they met me, because they had an uplifting, joyful conversation with me. I want to have the kind of disposition that tells them I am different and they want to know why. I don't tip based on what kind of serve I'm given I tip on what kind of Christian I am. If I'm a waitress who couldn't make my last bill, can't get my kid shots he needed, or had an argument with my husband, the last thing I need is to be de-vauled because I got your order mixed up. People are human, just like me. In a world that popularizes de-valuing people I want to be different. Not so that I can get a pat on the back but because my Father in Heaven is glorified when I esteem others better than myself. More than being loved, when I am gone, I want to be missed...missed because I valued people.
Number 2: Manage My Decisions
This one is a tough one. Did you know that the critical time for managing your decisions is 14 days? Just think of New Years Resolutions and diets. 14 days into the decision the brain begins to stop managing the decision and you must actively pursue the management or else it fails. At this point in my life there are several very important decisions that are being made and we are passed some of the critical times and just beginning the critical time in other decisions. Prayer has been the only way I have found to manage them. I heard a quote that goes like this, "With every decision you are either preparing for greatness or repairing from the failure". Making a decision can be easy. Managing the decision when it gets tough is not. Right now, I am preparing for greatness. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 9:10 (I think!) that whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your might! You and I only have 1 life to live- so let's live it to the best of our ability!
Number 3: Become Bigger on the Inside than I am on the Outside
I find it so easy to be this "big" person on the inside. Even when I'm not even trying- that's how easy it is. The more you are in the world, around worldly influences, the easier it is to be like them. Rude. Short with people. Feel smarter or better than others. I can't allow my attitude to reflect a negative image if I am to be a Christian. There's nothing good or attractive about a person that is rude and like Brother Junior Hill described as 'sand paper'. Meekness is having the position to put someone in their place but being under control and not doing so just because you can. You shouldn't let your position affect your disposition. I've heard the saying, "Don't let your reputation get bigger than your Character." Who I am when no one is looking is who I really am. What does this teach my children?
Job was the best example of being bigger on the inside than he was on the outside. A rich man- loved my friends and family- he had it all!! And Satan told God that Job only loved him because of the things he had- and God said you can do whatever you want to him but don't kill him. We all know this story. His finances were taken. His children were killed. His wife said (whom you realize Satan did not kill because in the eyes of God Job and Mrs. Job were one flesh) to him "curse God and die" but Job, being bigger on the inside said "The LORD giveth and He taketh away- blessed be the name of the Lord"!!! What an amazing testimony Job is!
Number 4: Express Generosity Everyday
This one seems simple- too simple to put on a life list, right? Well, in a selfish world I think we have more influences to do what matters to "Me" than do what matters to someone else. Everything is instant gratification- what can I get out of this, "it's not fair you have it so I should too". That's totally opposite of what the Bible teaches. You wouldn't believe how being generous to someone makes their day! Because it's so uncommon anymore! Getting something off the top shelf in the grocery store for a little old lady means so much! Buying a friends lunch, sending a card in the mail to someone who's had a crisis or surgery or some other matter can be the one thing that brings them a smile. Why is it that doing good for others has gone by the way side and the only thing that matters is the mighty dollar and the next newest tech-y gadget?? People are worth so much more than this!
Number 5: Raise Godly Children that Win More and Do More for the Lord than I Ever Could
I'm a book girl- anyone who knows me knows I've got my nose wedged between the pages of a book whenever there's a chance! Mostly that's in the evenings so not too many people get to see what I'm reading. My latest book is "The Flipside of Feminism: What Conservative Women Know and Men Can't Say" and it is awesome! Let me just say, it's so true!! But anyway, that's not my topic- the next book I'm getting is called "Prayers and Promises for My Little Boy" by Stormie O'Martian. She's a great author and the thing is, she writes about things that are important- always with prayer! My life will be great if the things that matter and the lessons I learn are taught and carried on by my children, right now, 2 boys. I want to teach them to be MEN in every leadership, care-taker, and Provider way they can be. In this day and age men are merely inconveniences to most women and Dad's are beaten down before they even become men. It's a shame like most everything else popular today.
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