What is accountability? Today I asked myself that very question.
I think accountability is knowing that you are not the only person your decision impact. Wow!! That's kinda heavy, doncha think? It seems there are infinitesimal ways this affects my life. But a few I can think of in this moment would be: First, my attitude. When I decide to have a bad attitude, or let the misfortunes of my day change my attitude, I am not only accountable to myself but to everyone around me. My attitude affects more than just me. Second, the language I choose to use. If I decide to use hurtful/degrading language when speaking with others, instead of positive/loving words, I am affecting their heart and state of mind. Third, is my relationship with God. When I make the decision to put God on the backburner I am not the only one who suffers. All the people God was counting on me to help, will now have to wait. There could have been someone in desperate need of a loving embrace or kind words to remind them of God's love for them. Everyday when I wake up I have the chance to start fresh. I am not defined by the decisions I made yesterday. Do I have to live with the consequences of my choices from yesterday? Yes!! But those choices do not define who I am today. Today is a new day full of new possibilities. All I can do for today is learn from the mistakes of yesterday and live a better tomorrow. Shelly
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When was the last time you thought about one your favorite people to talk to?
Who is it? What is it about that person that you enjoy talking to so much? I feel as life rolls on by we lose sight of those important connections we have made with others. My favorite people to talk to throughout my life has continued to grow. Though many of them I am no longer able to speak with. Not due to my sudden lack of interest in that person but due to some sort of separation. For the longest time in my life my favorite person to talk to was my Mema. She always knew just what to say, even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear. Her words always held love and gentleness in them. Her life was so interesting and I loved listening to stories of her childhood and beyond. I can no longer speak to my Mema because she is in heaven but I will again one day. I have also had favorite people to talk to that were no relation to me. When I was younger, I was an odd sort of pre and early teen. I have always had a fascination with history, that is a good place to start this story of me. I love to hear what life was like before modern conveniences, how people managed, and what led them to where they are today from those whom lived it. Life was simpler then, not so hurried, and people had more time for others. I think this is why I am so drawn to history. This fascination led me to join an older ladies speed walking group from my church when I was around 12-14 yrs old. They held my attention with there funny stories and insight into life. I have also been known to visit with elderly in nursing homes, not because I must or that they are related to me but because I enjoy their company and I hope they enjoy mine, I have done this since around the same age. My point in asking these questions and telling you about the odd pre and early teen Shelly, is to get you thinking. Thinking about people that mean something to you. People you like being around. People who like to be around you. Because in this world of "now" and electronic devices, I believe the young people of today have lost the ability to have meaningful connections with others. And I don't mean a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other variation of connections. I mean a connection that you long for. One that leaves you satisfied and longing for the next time you can talk or see each other. Life is not what it appears to be on Social Media. Life is made by connections with people. Seeing them, hearing their voice, feeling their embrace. If you are reading this and longing for a lost connection you have had, let me say you are not alone, I am on the verge of tears writing this thinking about my Mema and the wonderful times we had "shooting the breeze." So what is stopping you from making a connection with someone? Fear? Many are afraid they don't have anything interesting to talk about and that will bore the other person. Let me tell you, you are interesting and someone wants to hear what you have to say. Make a new connection with someone. You might be the encouragement and love they need to hear or they will be for you. Paul says in Colossians 2:2, My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ What that says to me is, we can't do life alone. We have to make real connections with people. And no - social media does not count. Strike up a conversation with someone in line for lunch at school, in line at the grocery store, at the pump next to you at the gas station, or a random person at the park. The goal is to have real-meaningful connections. Not fake-hollow ones that deceive you by manufactured smiles and embellished words. In order for us the have "full riches of complete understanding" to know Christ better, it must include real connections with other people. If you are not able to hear the inflection in someone's voice, see the sadness in their body language, or the joy that fills their eyes, then you do not have a real connection with that person. I know I cherish the connections I've made over the years and am eagerly awaiting new ones. I'll talk to you soon - maybe in line at the grocery store! Whether feeling weak in Spirit or weak in Body, your strength comes from the Lord.
As it says in scripture, Isaiah 40:29 "It is he who gives strength to the weary, and it is he who increases fortitude and strength in those who are failing." I recently injured my knee participating in an athletic activity I am very familiar with. I mention this because many times people think they are weak or there is something within themselves that is lacking when they experience an injury. The truth is, we often put ourselves in positions that are notorious for causing injuries. God has given us the strength we need to endure any spiritually or physically weak times. That may not necessarily be those injuries we cause ourselves but those that are out of our control. Keep strong, believe in the Lord, and work hard to strengthen your body for those activities you participate in that can cause you injury. It is your job to be proactive in your own physical and spiritual strength. I will be resting to regain the strength in my knee, reading my bible to remind myself God is my strength in all, and when I am healed I will continue exercising to strengthen my body to do those things I want to do. When I was a kid my mother always required us to apologize to others even if we didn't feel like it. We were made to say please, thank you, yes ma'am/sir and no ma'am/sir to everyone. We weren't allowed to interrupt adult conversations, we had to wait our turn to speak. We were taught to listen - really, truly listen - when others were speaking to us. We were taught to be respectful in all situations. Life is not easy, that is an understatement, but if we do not teach our students and children to use common courtesy as a sign of respect - we are setting them up for even more hardships along the way. I heard once from old philosophers - If you don't feel it, then act it and the feeling will come along. In other words, if the words - I'm sorry or excuse me or forgive me - never roll off someone's tongue how are they ever to know how to say it when they really feel it. If it's never said the feeling is likely to not express itself. But if someone starts the process; acting the words even if they don't want to; then the feelings are likely to follow. Baby steps like, acting the words and feelings - then in the future they will be expressed by the person as real feelings.
What does this have to do with youth, you ask? It means, even though you may be tempted to give in to selfishness; by interrupting or not listening as others speak (for example); you must treat others with common courtesy even if you don't feel like it. Your parents and adult mentors at church love you and know it is their responsibility to teach you to be a respectful, thoughtful and functioning member of society who honors God. Someone, who puts God first in your life. Someone, who shows your faith through your actions. So remember, even if you don't feel it - act it - even if you don't want to say it - say it anyway. Just the action will help you know how to act and what to say in the future. |
Shelly Thompson
"I like to think I am a Rockin' wife, mother, daughter, sister, youth director, and student of God." ArchivesCategories |