Power of the Will
While following the news and praying for Ukraine, I have continually seen a most powerful lesson on vivid display. Everyone in Russia and in the West thought Russia could simply roll into Ukraine and, with or without resistance, take over the country. Everyone except the Ukrainians. The Ukranians have amazed the world with their will to fight. They refuse to give up, even in the worst situations, fighting to the death. Their tenacious will changed the will of the entire European Union and the United States. This will inspired a widespread, new view on the worth and necessity of defending democratic…
What’s Inside You
As the world’s eyes are on Ukraine, I’ve learned much, but one thing we can all relate to. Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, was a Jewish TV comedian who ran for president in an Eastern Orthodox country and won. Not surprisingly, he was often questioned and critiqued about his ability, or inability, to lead the nation. And people didn’t know if they could trust him. Then Putin ruthlessly attacked his country. The USA kindly offered Zelensky safe passage out of the country to set up a government in exile—as practically all leaders in such situations have historically done—but he refused and…
What Is Your Life’s Highest Contribution?
My encouragement to you this month: As much as you can—and on an ongoing basis because it will change and grow—think about this question: What is your life’s highest contribution? That is, given your gifts, abilities, experiences, and passions—who you are—what is the greatest thing in your life that you can offer to the world or the Kingdom of God? What do you hope to contribute to others or do in God’s hands before you die?What is your life’s highest contribution? Think about that. Until you have a clear answer. Even if it takes your whole life. Because: Do you really have…
Form a New Habit This Year
One of the best gifts you can give yourself this year is to form a new habit. I used to set goals I usually didn’t reach because I didn’t focus on the process. That is, I didn’t create habits that when consistently practiced would naturally result in the goal. I wish I had internalized then what I’m writing to you now. You may or may not be familiar with the significance of habits, but they are the mundane building blocks of most best things in life. Can you identify area in your life that would benefit by changing or forming a new…
Reflect–What Do You See?
As many normal things take a break for Christmas and end of the year busyness, most of us also reflect back on the year and plan for the next. If you take several hours or a day and seriously reflect back on the year, what do you see? What would you re-do? What moves you to thankfulness? What generates hope? Most important, have you experienced personal growth in 2021? Getting past what’s going on in the world and past the hardships and hassles you’ve had, how have you grown in •Your faith?•Your identity and character?•Your personal maturity?•Your relationships?•Your career?•Your contribution to the world or…
