The inevitability of change
In four days 2017 will come in with a BANG! Perhaps with a plethora of zings, swooshes, Roman Candles, rockets, and BIGGER BANGS which reverberate throughout the countryside. And we’ll have a new calendar that will need many birthdays, anniversaries, and appointments inscribed on it.
We’ll have a change of national leadership. From Democrats to Republicans. From Obama and Biden to Trump and Pence. From the Liberal governmental approach to the Conservative approach. From eight Supreme Court justices to nine. From a Senatorturned-President to a Businessman-turnedPresident. And so on. Change is the order of the day.
Life consists of dayby-day, week-by-week, month-by-month, and year-by-year changes. That is life. And although most changes we encounter are results of decisions we make, some changes are imposed on us by outside influences. For example, we received word that a friend and church leader in Southern California died today. This is heartbreaking. What do we do? We show genuine compassion by loving the family, supporting them, and meeting their immediate needs. But life goes on. Change continues.
Other examples of imposed changes are the recent elections. Approximately one half of the candidates who ran for office did not win and many of their supporters are disappointed. The changes the winners make may not be to the losers’ liking, and the changes will affect their lives. So what are they to do? They are obligated to do what the winning candidates do – continue to work for the good of society.
However, our more dynamic changes are generated by the results of the decisions we make personally. If we make a bad or poor decision, we are going to reap a bad or poor result; and we can’t blame anyone because it is our own fault. To succeed in life, we need to make the best choice in every decision that presents itself. That is where the rubber meets the road.
So, what changes do you want to make this year? The following ideas may help.
Do you want to lose weight? (I don’t know why I listed that one first.) For most of us, the answer to that is a simple word: Jaws. That’s right. The answer will not lie in a magic word, expensive machine, or miracle food. Simply determine the number of calories that you need in order to maintain your present weight, and eat several hundred calories less than that every day. It is simple, and I have proven that it works.
Are you seeking employment? Don’t stand on the street corner holding a sign. Clean yourself up, dress appropriately, and submit applications in as many places as you can. This includes applying to employment agencies. Then accept an offer that is presented, and apply yourself diligently.
Do you want a different job? First, you should improve your efficiency and effectiveness in your present position. When your employer sees that positive change, you might not need to change jobs for you might get a raise and a new position where you are. If things don’t improve for you there, at least you will get a good recommendation.
Are you in poor health? As good and knowledgeable as many doctors are, don’t expect them to work miracles. They need your cooperation, so you must eat, exercise, and rest properly. A well-fed and rested body will respond more readily to medical treatment than will a weak body. More importantly, a well-treated body needs less medical attention. And let’s face it: it costs much less to take care of ourselves than to constantly rely on doctors and hospitals.
Are you bored with life or with your present situation? Do something different. Take a trip to where you haven’t previously been. Even a daytrip can be rejuvenating. Go out of your way to help someone. (Remember: you reap what you sow.)
Are you constantly tired? You may be worn out from continuous activity or too much noise. Take a day off and rest. Sometimes merely resting for a full day is good medicine. Listen to your version of the audio Bible and to gentle, soothing music. Proverbs 17:22 says “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Think about the 28 words in Proverbs 3:5-6.
This year, don’t make “New Year’s Resolutions.” Ask the Lord to help you grow in character and integrity. Then honor the Lord in every decision you make, and God will honor you.
— Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, mentor and president of the Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Send comments and questions to masters.servant@cox.net. The opinions expressed are those of the author.