Alright, in a couple of weeks, I’m going to be 31-years-old. You know what? I always seem to go through a hyper-introspective phase as my birthday approaches. I think about the ways that I’ve grown, the ways that I have faltered, the ways that I have changed, and the ways that I have influenced others (for good and for ill). I think about the goals that have been accomplished, the dreams that have been deferred, and the questions that have yet to be answered. There’s a question that has been on my mind lately, so I thought that I would get your input on it.
I’ve gotten many pieces of advice throughout the years – some of which I have taken; others, I have not. And that started to get me thinking: what’s the single best piece of advice that you’ve ever received? Did you take it? If you did, how did it change your way of thinking and living? How did it affect your walk with the Lord? If you didn’t, how would things be different had you taken the advice?
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My dad always told me not to compare myself to others and try to be like them, but compare myself to who I can be and strive for that. I think that this general bit of advice has helped me in the times I struggle with trying to be like or comparing myself to others. It reminds me that I am unique, God created me with particular gifts and that I can be used through them. I think I've extended this advice to say, think about who I can be in Christ and strive for that because we all can much more through Him than only through ourselves.
Wow. . . that's a challenge! Because I've been slurping up wisdom like a vacuum cleaner since coming to Christ in college. . .
But I'd have to say, "Evaluate your life, your priorities, and your decisions by passing them through the grid of, 'In the scope of eternity, what does this matter?'?
I calligraphed that saying and it's been hanging in our bathroom (over the commode--we have two sons <grin>) for years. It helps me know whether something is worthy of getting upset. . . or getting out of bed in the morning. No, it doesn't matter than I'm stuck in traffic on 635 and I'm going to be late for the meeting. Yes, it matters that I nip that bad habit that's beginning to flourish. Yes, it matters that my friend is in crisis and needs to be reminded that God loves her and He's still in control, so no it doesn't matter that I'm tired and want to go to sleep.
Great question, and thanks for asking!
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