This is the time of year when talking heads on TV and print publications deluge us with "how-tos."
For years I would take it all in and think, Yes! I followed directions, made lists and set goals.
But . . .
Before long I always sank back into my comfortable rut and life went on.
And then I learned a simple, small way to make big changes
It happened one January Sunday when our pastor started off by asking the ushers to pass out the blank index cards he'd given them earlier.
Then he said, "It's time we all set priorities for the year ahead. But don't worry, I'll keep it simple.
"First number your cards, 1, 2, 3, no more. Then in 15 words or less write not what you hope will happen or what you want to happen, but what you will do to make this a better year. Use action words so you can remember. Got it? Okay, you have five minutes. Go!"
About minute four, I scribbled:
- See the good
- Speak the good
- Do the good
(Yes, I know that's not proper grammar.)
When the timer beeped he said, "Stop! Take your card home and tape it up at eye level where you can't help seeing it. Then whenever you see that card, read your words aloud and ask God's help to carry them out.
"Now let's pray. Lord, we cannot change on our own. Inspire each of us to put into action what you just planted in our minds. Make us faithful and bless our efforts, we pray. Amen."
Later that day I taped my card on "my side" of our bathroom wall mirror. End of story, I thought.
Or maybe not
Over the next weeks every time I looked in the mirror I read my nine short words again and prayed, "Lord, help me, please."
I didn't expect much, but God surprised me. I could not shake those words.
I heard them when another driver took the parking space I just spotted.
Would I fuss and fume or would I see the good? I was alive and had a car to drive, thank God. Another parking place would open up, so why get bent out of shape?
Those nine words drummed in my mind with relationships, too, as when my friend forgot to meet me for coffee and good talk.
When she called to apologize I could play the victim or I could see the good (she simply forgot.) I could speak the good ("Oh, it's all right. I know you have a lot on your mind right now.") I could do the good by setting another time to meet and telling her how much our friendship meant to me.
Those phrases even affected chance encounters, as when a clerk seemed snippy.
I could walk out angry, muttering my frustration. Or I could see the good, understanding the clerk might be preoccupied because of serious personal issues. I could do the good by smiling and speak the good by thanking her for her help.
I left my card up all year and kept it handy because it reminded me how I wanted to live.
How will we make it through the year ahead?
Each of us will carry different burdens as we journey on and tough times may arise, but we are not alone. Jesus walks with us--and that says it all.
This year I want to remember words of strength like these:
- So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. --Isaiah 41:10
- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. --1 Peter 5:7
- But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” --2 Corinthians 12:9
- I can do everything through him who gives me strength. --Philippians 4:13
- (Jesus said) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." --John 14:2
Here's my New Year's wish for you, dear readers, from Romans 15:13:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Trusting, too,
Lenore
