Perspective

So, I've been cleaning my room. Not the way I usually clean my room (which consists of throwing everything randomly into drawers and under the bed so you can no longer see the mess). No, I'm *really* cleaning this time. Going through all those drawers with random junk in it. Naturally, I've run across some pretty interesting stuff. The thing that impacted me the most was scribbled on a Post-It:

I try
I fail
I trust
He succeeds.
--Chuck Swindoll

Time Flies

Boy, does it ever. In the blink of eye, another year has gone by. My time now is spent thinking about how things used to be, stories of Old Army days. Back when this college thing was still new to me. I guess that's what happens when people get to a fork in the road. They think about what got them to the point they're at right now. It's funny because the past always looks like a straight road, but the future is always a fork. But the past has had just as many forks and choices as what face us now. The Lord has lead each of us to the point we are at right now. The Lord is sovereign over all things past, present, and future. Until this is acknowledged and accepted, we will continue in vain as a hamster in a wheel, thinking we can get ourselves somewhere, but actually getting nowhere.

Waiting eagerly

"Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." -- Romans 8:23

As one of my friends always says "I can't wait to get to heaven." It helps us keep the right perspective on things that happen in this sinful world we call home. But, it's only a temporary home. Our permanent home will be good, perfect, and uplifting, and most importantly, it will be surrounded by God. Focus on the permanent, not the temporary.

Tact

Tact: acute sensitivity to what is proper and appropriate in dealing with others, including the ability to speak or act without offending

"Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy." Isaac Newton

I think we could all use a lesson in being tactful.

Perfectionism

I had a book when I was little called "Nobody's Perfect". I'm not sure where it ended up, maybe in the attic. Sometimes, I just need a good childhood reminder like that book.