New Year – Renewed Chances

Posted on January 4, 2020 by DOLPHINSLivingSprings

adorable dog nose in a fence

Are you wondering what’s on the other side of New Year’s Eve? Maybe you had a great 2019 or maybe not. Either way, as we look toward the new year we all wonder what it’ll bring. For some people this time is filled with trepidation, others excitement and yet others just really don’t even think about it.

The good news is that we each have more power over what can happen than we usually realize. Sure, our very best efforts can be thwarted by evil that is in this world. But what’s important is what we do and how we respond, in the long run. After all, that’s what we have power over and no one can take that away from us. Some choices are easy to make and others build character, but they are ours through and through. And since we must claim responsibility for our choices, why not make the very best ones we are able to make.

My husband and I have chosen to pray that we love and respect one another every time we pray together. This will help us to remember, especially in those tense moments, to catch ourselves and speak the truth with compassion. What are some things you could do to help you be your best self this year?

Here are a few guidelines to help you:

First take a look inside to develop a deeper understanding of who you are, what you stand for, what the source of your core is. We all grow and learn and change as we get older. When we aren’t intentional about our personal growth we tend to be defensive and even hostile. However, by taking time to get to know who we are and what it is that influences those core values we hold dear, our decisions/choices will make more sense to us. We’ll be able to express our choices (and hear the choices of others) with more ease and clarity. This may be an overwhelming undertaking for some. Please feel free to call our office for some assistance. We have several processes that might be helpful to you.
You always have choices. Sometimes we feel pushed into a particular decision, however the truth is it is always our choice at the end of the day. When you feel pushed into a particular decision, take time to consider what it is that made you feel pushed. Sometimes it’s the arrogance or intolerance of another person or group, or your own discomfort with disagreements that lead you to feel this way. In which case you need to determine if this is an abusive situation, person or group from which you need to distance yourself, or perhaps doing some personal work on strengthening your ability to tolerate uncomfortable situations. An objective mature and compassionate third party to help you take a look at this would be helpful. This could be your pastor, rabbi, a counselor, or spiritual director to name a few. The bottom line is to remember that you always have choices and how you make those choices are solely your responsibility.

The world is full of good and evil. Our focus determines of which we become most aware. We see what we look for and everywhere we go we find ourselves.

“As for me and my household, we will (love faithfully, live peacefully, give generously, forgive gracefully, play joyfully, pray daily) serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Pam