What do success, significance, and sacrifice all have in common? They all have different definitions by different folks. They are all achieved by doing what you can with the options you're given. And they all have the potential to make a difference.
With the doldrums of February making for a slow news week here on the farm, let's share 9 ideas or goals that will help us make a difference in 2025.
1. Start with the right kind of outlook. Smile and stay positive. Help folks feel better about themselves. Compliment others. Proverbs 15:23 says, "Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time".
2. Always be willing to learn. How do you handle mistakes? Be willing to take advice. In Exodus 18 Moses father-in-law, Jethro, said to Moses, "Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice", when Moses was wore out from settling disputes with Israelites in the wilderness. Verse 24 says, "Moses listened to Jethro and followed his suggestions". Also, never lose your curiosity.
3. Be a person of vision. Believe in something. Focus on the big picture which often means looking ahead further than tomorrow. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us to, "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed".
4. Be persistent. Don't quit or come up with excuses. Finish as strong as your health and abilities allow. Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 9:10, "Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom".
5. Know how to be yourself. The older I get, the more I realize it's a waste of time to worry about what others think of me. And trying to impress others is not authentic. "God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him". Ecclesiastes 2:26.
6. Know how to love. This includes yourself. Your family. Your friends and community. Yes, even those who don't love you back. Get comfortable with telling those close to you you love them. Use a hand shake, a fist bump, a hand on the shoulder, or a hug, depending on who your addressing. If you're blessed to be married, don't forget to tell and show your spouse you love and cherish them. I Corinthians 13:4 says "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud." Thanks for the picture Emily.
7. Know how to laugh. You can't laugh and worry at the same time. It's ok to laugh at yourself. There is nothing harder on a conversation or a relationship than being a sour puss. "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength". Proverbs 17:22
8. Know how to forgive. Pray everyday for your rival. Don't keep score. Refusing to forgive is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. Forgiveness sets us free. "Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses". Proverbs 10:12
9. Know how to be generous. Contentment produces gratitude. Gratitude produces generosity. When we shovel out, God shovels back, and God has a bigger shovel. Proverbs 11:25 "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed".
Children are a gift. And there is a giving in faith, and receiving from God in a big family. Congratulations Andy and Amara on welcoming Bensen Beau into this world. Success, significance, and sacrifice are all wrapped up in children. 42 years ago Jan and I had 3 boys and a girl under 6 years old. Then 6 years later we were additionally blessed with twins.
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