Making the Best Decisions

I know; it’s been quite some time since I’ve posted anything of serious value. I’m sorry. Life is such a roller coaster – I know you know what I mean! This year has been quite tumultuous for me and there are days that I feel like I’m just hanging on for dear life.

So, let me share the latest. I spent 40 days reading, “The Purpose Driven Life,” by Rick Warren. It really helped me focus on priorities and made things quite a bit more clear. Then last week, one of Sarah’s friends recommended that she and I read, “The Traveler’s Gift: The Seven Decisions for Success,” by Andy Andrews. I would recommend it to you; it was an easy read. And very thought provoking.

If you think you might read the book – stop reading this blog now!

Otherwise, I thought I’d share a bit about the things in the story that had an impact on me. Here’s my disclaimer though. There are assumptions, conclusions and goals made by the author that I don’t agree with – not many, but a few – so if you have issue with an opinion of the author’s, I too might agree with you.

The first decision: The Buck Stops Here. I liked the idea that we are responsible for our own actions. “The rise and fall of my emotional tide will not deter me from my course.” Wow! This is so me – each day is precarious depending upon my mood. No more; slow and steady wins the race. (Ok, I won’t be moving all that slowly, but you get the idea.)

The second decision: I Will Seek Wisdom. If you know me, you know that I strongly believe in being a servant to others just as Jesus modeled for us when he was here on the earth. So the second decision resonated well with me. I think it’s incredibly important for us to seek wisdom from those who are trustworthy and wise. I will seek to make positive changes in my personal relationships.

The third decision: I am a Person of Action. I was inspired by the challenge to seize the moment. I don’t think of myself as a coward, but there truly are times when fear (usually when it comes to a lack of funds) can paralyze me. “I am a person of action. I can make a decision. I can make it now.” Quite inspirational.

The fourth decision: I Have a Decided Heart. But sometimes, I lack perseverance. “I am passionate about my vision for the future.” “My course has been charted.” As I always say, in my mind, success is sustained momentum. I really need to keep moving forward. And STOP looking back!

The fifth decision: Today I Will Choose To Be Happy. I am the possessor of a grateful spirit. I love the saying, “Always have an attitude of gratitude!” It’s the reason that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The idea of stopping to be grateful and to share all that God has given with family and friends is really special to me. “It is impossible for the seeds of depression to take root in a thankful heart.” I loved that.

The sixth decision: I Will Greet This Day with a Forgiving Spirit. It’s so sad to see how really good I have gotten at holding a grudge. I can go all the way back to when I was 8 and think of friends and family (and others) who have wronged me. And I haven’t forgiven and definitely not forgotten. So, after reading this chapter, I am committed to forgiving myself and others . . . even if you never ask and have no idea that I remembered! Grudges stand in my way of attaining the goals I have for me. I wrote down a list of folks that have hurt me and I prayed that God would help me forgive. I tore up the list. Each day I start with a reminder to myself: Forgive and forget – I'll say it till I got it! My favorite line from this chapter is: “I believe the good Lord would rather me pray and work not pray and wait.” Alright then.

The seventh decision: I Will Persist Without Exception. “I know the outcome I desire. I hold fast to my dreams. I stay the course. I do not quit. I will continue despite exhaustion. I focus on results.” Mr. Andrews quotes the Bible here, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” “Too much of my life has been spent doubting my beliefs and believing my doubts.” No more! “I am a person of great faith.”

Many of these “decisions” pierced into my heart – and I “got” it! I am hoping that as a result of reading “The Traveler’s Gift,” I am a different person today. Honestly, the 6th decision about forgiveness was the most life changing. I hope that one (or more) of these decisions encourages you to make a change in your life. If the book sounds interesting, then read it!