As you look back over 2022, I bet you recall both highs and lows. Some years, the scales tip heavier on one side than the other. But life on planet earth is never without challenges. How do we safeguard ourselves from life’s inevitable punches?
Are You Missing the Benefits of Joy and Play?
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
2020 has been one of the hardest years I can remember. I lost one of my best friends to cancer; several of my friends lost loved ones in unexpected tragedies; we’ve been isolated, experienced national chaos, and a worldwide pandemic. Under such circumstances to talk about fun may sound frivolous and out of touch. But I have good reason to believe joy is exactly what we need.
Research shows that fun can trigger the release of endorphins which promote an overall sense of well-being. And happy people have better relationships with others. The Bible supports turning on the joy even in challenging circumstances.Continue Reading
Confusing Being Responsible with Being Faithful
Do you carry an over developed sense of responsibility? When I feel overwhelmed or weary, I usually discover I’m feeling responsible for something beyond my control. For example, my desire to do a good job can subtly turn into pressure to make someone happy or not disappoint them. The desire to do good work is admirable. However, the goal to make them happy will drive you crazy.
The #desire to do good work is admirable. However, the #goal to make them happy will drive you crazy. Click To TweetThe Difference Between a Goal and a Desire
In order to help us understand where our responsibilities end and other people’s begin, some thought leaders have delineated between a goal and a desire.
A Goal is something you want, and you control the means to reach it.
A Desire is something you want, but you don’t have control of all the variables to reach it. You need the cooperation of other people or circumstances to achieve it.
For example, let’s say you plan a special picnic for your family. You get up early to shred cheese for their favorite pimento cheese sandwiches. Continue Reading
What Loss Taught Me About Joy and Thanksgiving
Last Tuesday, the company working to recover my computer files called. “Come see what we were able to retrieve. We couldn’t save everything.”
I mentally brought each important file before the Lord. “Please save this one and this one,” I prayed.
To have my lost computer data restored would bring me greater joy than I had ever felt having it in the first place. I understood what Jesus meant when he said, “I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance (Luke 15:7 ESV).
It isn’t that Jesus doesn’t appreciate those who walk with Him. He enjoys us deeply. But He yearns for those who are presently lost. To lose even one that He created and died to rescue is heart-breaking.Continue Reading