I am the change that I seek because change begins with me. (Smile & repeat)
That was my social media post for the day. Even though I’ve heard the quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” hundreds of times, this morning it dawned on me that this should be something I practice in everyday situations. In the past, whenever I heard the quote it was always in reference to community and global change. Never once did I think of applying it to situations closest to me. As we all know, we cannot change others; however, we can change the way we respond to their actions. I believe that we have the power to create the atmosphere and spaces we desire. I know this will not work in all situations but it’s worth a try. Peace is what I seek and it must begin with me.
I’m currently reading – The Life You Long For: Learning to Live From A Heart of Rest by Christy Nockels. So far, so much of her story has resonated with me. Especially the part about being so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life trying to achieve goals and the lifestyle you have always dreamed of that you neglect to live. The funny thing is you believe you’re living until you actually begin living. As Christy calls it, it’s living from a heart (place) of rest. In other words, living from a place of peace and contentment.
As Christy has noted in her book, it takes a moment to get to a place of rest and once you get there, it’s still challenging to remain in that space. Because as we know, we cannot control the things that happen around us, but as pastor and author, Joel Osteen would say, we can control how we respond.
For a few weeks now, more so the last two weeks, I have been thinking about the freedom of choice. As we know, socially and economically, everyone does not have the same level of freedom when it comes to choices; however, all of us do have the freedom to make choices, even small ones. Although it is impossible to control others’ actions or events happening around us, we can control our reactions and actions, which is a choice. So when I refer to the freedom of choice, this is exactly what I’m referring to. Nothing intense. Nothing political. But personal choices that we make daily.
Since I have been living from a place of peace, I have noticed that my choices are different, they’re better. I respond to situations much differently than I used to. The things that used to make me anxious, no longer bother or upset me. I’m also learning to be kinder to myself. Which is BIG! Y’all, I really was my own worst critic. I’m also less judgmental. I have always loved people’s uniqueness, even my own, but that didn’t stop me from judging. Yes, I’m human. Overall, life is so much better than before and it’s all because I have chosen to make it better – I have chosen to live from a place of peace. Now, I would be lying if I said my life is always peaceful, that nothing happens that throws me for a loop. Y’all, every day.. yes, EVERY SINGLE DAY I’m faced with things that challenge my peace; and every day I make the choice of how I respond. To me that’s freedom! And I’m loving it.
Word of advice – which is what has gotten me to this place of peace – if it disturbs your peace it’s too costly. Let it go.
As always, thank you so much for reading. Praying you have a peaceful week.
Obedience. The definition of obedience is – an act or instance of obeying (following the command or guidance of).
As many of you know, I have been on this journey of completely allowing God to lead; to follow his guidance without wavering. Well.. just imagine how that’s going. Sigh
So, there is this little thing called free will, which is the ability to act at one’s discretion. Well, I’m finding free will isn’t always my friend. During this journey, free will has popped up numerous times and continues to pop up whenever – 1) I don’t believe God is moving fast enough or He’s moving way too fast; 2) I believe things are going in the wrong direction; or 3) whenever I flat out don’t want to follow His instruction. Y’all, sometimes free will is a pain and often delays blessings. Ugh!
Last night I was given specific instructions to leave a certain matter alone, to allow God to work so that I could see His glory. Y’all know I love watching God work! Well, that didn’t happen. I kept picking at it. Checking to see if progress was being made. Kind of like putting a bandage on a wound and removing it every couple of hours to see if it’s healing. Uhh.. It won’t if you don’t leave it alone. So, this morning I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t leave things alone. I went in and started manipulating things. I was like, “God, I’m just gonna do this one little thing then give it back to You.” And that’s exactly what I did. And guess what, I feel like I have failed another challenge. Not in a shameful way, but in a way that has me regretting my decision. However, at the same time, I still have the desire to do better. I just have to know how things will turn out if I allow God to lead.
Okay.. y’all, I just had another “Aha” moment. Imagine going into a lab, starting an experiment and when the experiment isn’t moving along fast enough, you decide to manipulate the process. Guess what?! You just altered the outcome. You will never know what could’ve been had you left it alone.
Slowly but surely, I’m learning. If I am going to allow God to lead, I must be obedient. Period.
Thanks for reading! Hope you have a lovely Wednesday!
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. So many are commemorating his life and legacy in different ways – hosting public celebrations, offering workshops, giving speeches, posting quotes, serving others (National Day of Service), and the list goes on. This year I have decided to share the transcript of his final speech, which was delivered on April 3, 1968, the day before his assassination.
Even though we are no where near where Dr. King envisioned we would be, I remain hopeful that one day we will live in a world where human lives are valued more than money. Where love, kindness, compassion and empathy are the norms. Where our differences are embraced not tolerated or rejected. Yes.. I choose to remain hopeful that one day we will sing in perfect harmony, and I pray I get a glimpse of it in my lifetime.
Happy Sunday! Today’s blog is going to be another brief one.
Over the last couple of days, I haven’t felt like talking or interacting with people much. I’ve been in my “secret place” – the place that the Winans refer to in their song, Secret Place. Nothing bad. It’s just that lately I have had a lot on my mind like – pivoting, changing course, going in a different direction, dropping things/people that are causing more stress than being beneficial, and doing something new.. something totally different from what I have been doing the last 20 years or so. This is not the first time I have done this. Let’s just say it’s probably the third time in my lifetime. In my younger years, I wasn’t afraid to let things go or change courses. Now that I’m older, and somewhat wiser, I’m kind of hesitant. Will I have time to achieve new dreams and goals? I have always said the first half of my life (first 50) was for figuring things out, and the last half (50+) for living out my dreams. Didn’t think I would be changing directions this late in the game. Gotta love life.
I know I just rambled off a lot. Even with writing all of that, I still don’t feel like talking. I have a lot of decisions to make. I know it’s time for me to change courses. The direction I was headed in had me constantly stressed and anxious. I needed these last few months to get my head straight. You all will probably be the first to know where this new journey takes me.
By the way, this is my 92nd day of posting! YAY!! Consistency, discipline and dedication are key. Oh, and I actually love what I’m doing, especially creating the stories.
As always, thank you so much for putting up with my ramblings. Now you know how my journal feels. Smile.
It’s Shaun’s World 
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