Practicalities for Life These Days - My Top 7
Practicalities: the aspects of a situation that involve the actual doing or experience of something rather than theories or ideas. Similar: nuts and bolts, nitty gritty, mechanics
Hey everyone, here’s my Top 7 list of practicalities for these times we find ourselves all in:
Know there's a way to walk thru successfully, and come out stronger! This is true spiritually, in relationships, professionally, physical and mental health. In every arena of life, with some intentionality, there is unprecedented opportunity here. So choose to adopt and foster this mindset. That might take some work for you, especially if you’re under the weight of insufficient resources or drastic upset of normal routine. But do some heavy lifting emotionally and adopt a success mindset. If God is for you, who could be against you! You are more than a conqueror! Think: Where could this season take you?
Time with God - Get it, and help others get it! Parents trade off and give each other time. Solo? Make it happen at the start of your day, and end each day evaluating your day in the light of how it started - what God showed you; graced you for. Refresh this every morning. Don’t let it slip - it’s a life-line! How can you dive in deeper to your relationship with God?
There's wisdom, then there’s revelation - By wisdom I mean, to be relevant, all things common sense, public directives, and personal hygiene. By “revelation” I mean things that God may direct you to do that seem outside the box. Remember, for the believer: obedience comes over careful. What is your assignment from God?
Define some new personal rules - these are standards and new routines, etc. that you choose to adopt in response to all the external changes around you. You can’t control what happens in the world but you sure can control your responses. So what new rules can you adopt for you? A walk per day? 1hr each day on a project you’ve been trying to get to forever?! How about: only check news feeds twice per day? Or, a family screen-time rule? Think through it and get buy-in from those around you.
See opportunities / set goals - It’s tempting to feel closed in and shut down when so many of your normal daily life is, well, restricted. To combat this think about the opportunities over the next few weeks (a better marriage, professional development online, family and friend connection, etc.). Then give these opportunities traction by setting a few related goals. What are your goals right now, and next steps in those directions?
Lean into giving and serving - fear and panic is inherently selfish. Combat this tendency by determining what you can give, and thinking through how can you serve. Model this to your kids and neighbors, friends, co-workers. Build “giving/serving” into your budget and onto your calendar. Be THAT person! What could you give away, or do to serve someone else, today?
Evaluate everyday and learn - These days are new and different days for all of us. The quickest learning curve requires regular thought as to what’s working and what’s not, so plan to make that kind of evaluation at the end of each day. Sit and think through - what worked, what didn’t, what you need to let go of, what you need to repeat, apologies to make, thanks to give, ways you need to “guard” your heart, questions you have for God, etc. Write this all down in a journal of some kind. What is the mechanism you’re using to learn quickly on this new terrain?
In summary, here are some questions to develop answers for:
Where could this season take you? Think “success mindset”
How can you dive in deeper into your relationship with God? Think “time”
What new rules can you adopt for you? Think “standards”
What are your goals right now, and some next steps in those directions? Think “opportunity”
What could you give away, or do to serve someone else? Think “blessing others”
What is the mechanism you’re using to learn quickly on this new terrain? Think “learning curve”
Here’s the challenge: Come up with answers in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches that He is our not only our comforter in times of chaos / loss, but also our coach and our guide. It says His role is to lead us into all truth. So answer these questions and develop a blueprint for what God is saying to you. This means get still and quiet, invite Him in, surrender your life afresh to Him, and let Him begin to speak.
Want help? Needing a sounding wall? Give me a txt or call.
Rowan
403.816.1684 - ph/txt anytime :-)