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wings
Five tips for a fulfilling new year
We have all met people who seem to "live life to its fullest" - the people who "go for the gusto." And we have all met people who are the opposite - careful and cautious. It is obvious to me that church people are often pulled and tossed between those who want to move full steam ahead and those who want to go slowly. The careful people advise that until we have enough money, develop more skill, conduct feasibility studies, and map out a plan, we should do nothing. The "full steam ahead" crowd says that to hesitate is to miss the opportunity lying at our feet. It's as if the church is caught between reckless abandon and cautious trepidation.
As we move into 2006, one of the greatest decisions we face is, "How do I live my life to its fullest? How do I get everything out of life that God desires for me?" Few of you may be familiar with Dr. G. Othell Hand. In the early days of AFLAC (the insurance company with the famous duck commercials), Dr. Hand wrote a daily letter to the employees to inspire and encourage them. I recently ran across an article by Dr. Hand in which he offers five secrets for living life to the fullest, and so I pass this on to you as we approach the new adventure of 2006 together.
1. Develop a self you can respect. In other words, quit comparing yourself to others. You are called not to be better than others but to be the best you can be.
2. Commit yourself to others. Seek ways to help others nurture and achieve their dreams. Learn how to be a Barnabas, a son of encouragement. Avoid the dangerous pitfall of me-ism. Live life in such a way that communicates to others that your life and their lives are inextricably tied together.
3. Turn disappointment into "divine appointments." Be encouraged by Stevie Wonder who found a light and melody in the midst of blinded eyes. Learn how to turn your scars into stars.
4. Enjoy life's process, not merely its rewards. In other words, learn to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. We must learn to live patiently amidst a world that seems to promote impulsive decisions and immediate gratification - a world with e-mail and microwave meals. But when we live life to its fullest, we learn to savor every minute and enjoy our victories.
5. Become involved in causes that are larger than life. In other words, choose a challenge that will force you to stretch and leave your comfort zone. Far too many of us settle only for what appears to be reachable, with little cost or investment of ourselves or resources. Remember that life is not measured by what you get, but by what you give. Then remember that no matter how good life is for you now, it has potential for being even better.
The year 2006 is already here. I am committing myself to "live life to its fullest. After all, isn't that what Jesus came for? "...That we may have life and have it more abundantly."
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Bishop James Swanson
Resident Bishop
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