SUCCESS

To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to know that even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Life: Risky Business

“But he that had received one (talent) went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.” Matthew 25:18

We cannot go through life “playing it safe.

“Life is risky business. There is always the possibility of hurt and rejection. In order to experience love, you will risk being hurt. In order to find success, you will risk failure. Make what you want greater than your fear.” Les Brown

It is a given that in this life we will have trouble, Scripture says as much. It is also certain that  “playing it safe” is NOT an option. We must take chances, make choices and critical decisions, if we are to live it to its fullest.

Yes, life is like a see-saw, sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. But more importantly, life is what we make it and we must choose to fully live it.

We cannot go through life with blinders on believing that every day will be sunshine without rain.We must choose to live it moment by moment not merely exist from day to day.

Until recently, I lived vicariously through others who dared to follow their dreams. I watched from the sidelines as a spectator rather than a participant. I believed all the negative news and reports until I deliberately changed the channel of my focus and discovered yes, there is not only good news, but great news  everywhere!  Families are coming together, communities are rebuilding, we are learning a new language of love and acceptance of one another. Yes, there are many who are seeking relevance, ways to make a difference and who have not wearied in their well-doing.

Each day, I discover afresh the freedom to write my own story. Each day I realize anew that every day above ground is ripe for making a new chapter.  Every day I am the star of my own reality and I do not have to accept anything that dampens or detracts from my set. I can choose now to love and to share  with all I meet.  Gratefully and with Grace I embrace each new day as the gift it truly is.

No matter how things appear, God’s plans for us are far better than anything we can imagine, even in our dreams. We can trust in the Lord and rejoice in each new day, because we know the very reason Jesus came was that we “might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).”   Be Blessed–you are already highly favored.

 

PRAYER:  Father, every day in your presence is sweeter than the day before. Thank you for not allowing me to give up or give in. Thank you for every good and perfect gift, especially the gift of life.  I will live it to the fullest. I will finish my course with joy longing to hear you say,”Well done.”