What things did you do to prepare for today? You probably have a routine that you do most mornings to get ready for each day…getting up, cleaning, dressing, eating, driving to where you will be working, etc. Most of these things you learn as you grow up, as you watch others do the same, as you learn to do the little things that will be most helpful to you each day. Sometimes we refine our routines, when we work in a new setting, when we have kids to get ready also, when we have to coordinate things for others to do their job, etc. At one time in my life, I was responsible only for myself, then I was caring for my dad, then I had a wife to consider, and now several children, and pets here and there. Each time you adapt what you have to do to help make things work well for everyone involved. I suppose they call that being responsible. Others depend on your actions as much as their own sometimes. What things would you like to be able to do currently, or change in your life that you are not doing so well?
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23
Learning a new skill can be a little scary for most of us. There is often a fear that we may mess-up, look foolish, or cause someone else to mess-up or get hurt because of our actions. Some of these may be reasonable, and some may be remotely possible, but they may still influence our actions. Hopefully, we have good instructors, good opportunities to learn the basics and practice these skills, so we may quickly become competent and adaptable in what we will do. There is a greater learning curve for some jobs than others, but we have to start somewhere with all of them. Once we become competent, it is sometimes necessary to go back and review the basics again, or ask for help if we are not sure what to do next. There are some things I only do once each year, and I often have to review the process again or ask for help when I’m at a loss with any part of it. It can be a humbling, but necessary experience. Have you ever had to ask for help at a job you have held for years?
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Sometimes when we get off track, we need to go back to basics, whether playing basketball, mowing the yard, doing ministry, loving others, or working at the same job we’ve had for years. This may also be true when we try to grow in our faith. We may get involved in chasing after one new ministry after another, but often need to come back to the foundations of where we started to grow, instead of just doing something new. For me, and likely many others, that involves getting back into the Word and prayer regularly, both individually and at times in small groups. If we only do these in groups, it shows we really don’t value the activity, or just let others direct our thinking, instead of letting the Lord lead us directly. If you have been neglecting these basic things in your life, make an attempt to fit them into your basic routine and see what difference it makes for you and others. Hopefully, you will be pleasantly surprised, as I am each time I go back to the basics!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Yours in Christ,
Clark
