The Gift
1 December, 2009 -
When looking back over the past 12 months, some of you will have had an outstanding year, others it may not have been so.
Why not take some time to reflect, chew over some thoughts of 2009...
People - Who are the people you have been grateful to God for during this year? People you have met, worked alongside, lived with (family), a mentor, an author or a biblical character? Is there some way you can affirm their contribution to your life?
Call them, write a letter, send an email or even having a coffee with them.
In our fast paced life we sometimes move on too quickly. As you reflect is there anyone who you need to forgive or ask forgiveness? An attitude or action, that needs to be addressed?
Expectations - Like it or not, there are people who have expectations of us, as well as us having expectations of ourselves. These expectations when managed properly can be energizing and fulfilling, or if out of control these can be a burden. Sandwiched between expectations and reality is frustration: the closer we can get our reality with our expectation the less frustration we will feel. When expectations are achievable they are growth orientated. Once we reach that goal we feel a sense of success and achievement.
Are your expectations of yourself realistic?
What about your expectations of others?
How will life be different if these expectations are met?
Priorities - Philippians 1:10 says, “That you may be able to discern what is best”.....or “Choose the things that are vital”.
The “urgent” demands on us can rob us of the important things in life. The way that we use our time reveals our priorities. It’s one thing to talk about what is important it is another thing to live it out. Verbalising your priorities reflects your intention, your actions reveal the truth.
What are the “vital” or “essential” things in your life?
Open your diary and see if these priorities are reflected in your schedule. Open your wallet – how does our expenditure reflect your priorities?
I have found myself saying, “I will just get through this busy season, and then.....” then I enter another one! Rob Bell in his DVD ‘Shells’ talks about having our hands so full of little things (urgent) that we can’t grasp the big things (important) that God sends our way. Learn to say “no” to even good opportunities, so that you are not distracted from the things that are vital. Saying NO because we have already said YES!
Potential - One of the saddest stories I hear is from people who, in their later years of life express regret that their potential was never realised. But wait, there’s more....... the window of opportunity closed and the dream withheld. Within every person is potential - that under the right conditions can be realised. What dreams do you have? How can you make your unique contribution to this world? What would that look like?
“Life is like a 10 speed-bike. Most of us have gears we never use” (Charles Schultz).
Yourself - How have you been taking care of yourself? Not how SHOULD you have cared for yourself, how DID you do it. A reality check here:
Days off, holidays, family time (even if your children have left home), Refuelling activities? Can you list off 5 things that really fill you up? (Bill Hybels replenishment bucket – from his 2009 summit talk).
Taking days off and refuelling can be two different things.
Intellectually - have you put yourself into a zone where you have had to wrestle with new or different thinking? What books have your read that challenged you? What would you like to know more about?
Physically - exercise, healthily eating, sleeping. Are you developing positive patterns that you are comfortable with?
Spiritually - ‘you and God’ time. “I realised the pace at which I was doing the work of God, was killing the work of God in Me” (Bill Hybels). Where do you most connect with God? What are some of the most outstanding God moments of 2009?
As you take the wrapper from your Peppy Chew and place it in the bin, is there anything that needs to stay in 2009 - freeing you to be more of who God made you to be in 2010?
May this Christmas season of celebration and rejuvination bring life and peace to your soul.
Every blessing,
Margaret Spicer
