If you are like me, you may like to keep a routine with some things, like a morning routine, or how you go about some tasks or work related duties. It’s often easier and often more efficient to do some things the same way without having to think to hard about it. But at the same time, the same routine can get a little stagnant at times and it may be good to change things up occasionally, like where you eat lunch, or what you have for dinner. Some people like to go to a favorite place for vacation each year, but many others like a new location most every time. There is so much variability in each day, month, and year, it feels we have some sense of control when we can keep some things the same. We can also look at where we are today compared to a year ago and see that while a lot of things are the same, time tends to allow us to see that things are changing over time as well, with or without us in regard to what’s happening in the world, politics, and the seasons as the come and go. What things do you like to stay the same in your life, and what would you like to change?
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
As we enter a new calendar year, it is often a time to take inventory of what is going on in our lives, bodies, and minds and try to implement changes that we think would be helpful. Whether that is eating healthier to lose weight, being more dedicated to exercising, eliminating wasteful spending, changing harmful personality traits, strengthening our faith and relationships, or organizing our home and lives to improve our mental health, there are almost endless changes we might like to make. In reality, for whatever reason, we often pick either the easiest things, or the one or two most important things to address. Even if we can show progress and dedication toward a couple of things, this may be what it takes to move us forward to improvements in several areas of life. What things about yourself would you most like to change?
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12;2
Research shows that in order to make any sustainable changes, one thing that is most helpful is accountability. When you have to answer to someone else, whether a boss, a friend, or God, then you are more likely to do what needs to be done to get the desired results. Is there someone in your life that you meet or talk with on a regular basis to be honest with about life and maybe even pray with? I know when I meet with these people I can vent to or get some feedback from, it helps me stop and take inventory of things a little more regularly. When we can pray with others and have a regular solitary prayer life, it does the same to help keep us on the right track with the things we deal with in life. Taking our volatile lives and issues to the One who never changes can help bring us peace in a world that is constantly changing.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Yours in Christ,
Clark
