At 9:30am, I knew exactly what I was going to write this about. At 11pm, I have found myself going in a different direction with my thoughts. But the real point, is that we are following along these last few “Lifestyle” sprouts I have written…
Taking it easy and the re-post from four years ago of a Man on Fire.
That there is a busy-ness that occupies are lives, and that there should be purpose that overrides that busy-ness. If we can do that, if we can live with purpose beyond our running around, then we can achieve success. Whether it be financial, familial, relationships… regardless. Mission and purpose must rule the day. I have written about mission and purpose, and have spoke on these topics, dozens of times over the years since we first taught The Body By God 40 Day Challenge.
Today, as I sat in church, I began to consider the impact that the past has on our ability to truly achieve mission and purpose in our lives. Andy Stanley has been speaking on the topic of “starting over”. Truly focusing on the depth that it takes to use the “Past to remind me, not to define me”.
Ephesians 4:26-32
26 “In your anger do not sin”[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Those of you who have sat through my time management, mission management, purpose focused talks, have heard me speak of a time when we had seven offices, when I was spending more time with investors, and doctors (managers) than with patients. The dreams were lofty, the potential was huge, but the focus was my own… not the purpose or mission that was defined for me by God.
So it failed. I mean, sure, we did well for awhile, and I have a lot of reasons why it didn’t work out, but in the end, I look at myself as the failure between the corporate goal and where we landed. No, please, don’t worry, it’s ok. I have let my past be an education and nothing more in this light. I still have huge lofty plans, but they have changed. I have determined my place, and mission, and now we dream, and soar in those dreams, just like before… but different.
Along the way, I must say, there have been many issues that have brought their own struggles, and along the way there have been plenty of times when I have felt the tug of the baggage of past failure. But, it is with effort, thought, and consideration that I can identify all that the past would do to my self esteem and my overall focus on the future. And it is through this, that I can trust in God for the wonders of a new day.
This is where the key lies… the recipe. It is in our ability to not just look into the past and see the lessons that we have been taught as lessons; but to also dig in so deep that we can completely forgive ourselves for failures, and by doing so, move forward without baggage, but with freedom. Freedom to pursuit purpose and mission from God.
Be Blessed and Be Well… and Dream Big for a new day of hope and love. – Dr. E