Recently we had a very large family gathering. Extended family and friends literally came from all over the globe. Weddings are such joyful occasions!
After more than a few people said things like you look like your mom, you and your sister have zero rhythm, his mannerisms are just like his dad, I realized how much we compare. Some of it is good and we desire to be like our family (in all the best ways).
Yet more often than not, we pick out the characteristics we don’t like, or a habit, often a trait something like so and so always yelled and I’m just like him or her. In the end, we give up hope thinking we can change or if we are honest, often we don’t want to change. Not really. We give ourselves the permission to be how we are.
An important few words that have radically changed me say what we make room for, or focus on is what we empower. We give that thing or thought or action influence over us.
Philippians 4:8 puts it into perspective: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Choice. Every thought is a choice. Every action or lack of one is a choice. Choices. Choices. Choices.
They take focus. Here and now. It’s being present in the moment.
Ephesians 4:23-24 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
If you are His, you are not who you were, you are created in his likeness in right standing and set apart for purpose!
Here’s to focusing on the good, the right, and who He says you are because of who he is. As I think, so I am Proverbs 23:7. I want to think like Him!