It's Tuesday at 2:00pm! (PST Time: I live and work from Southern California)
It feels like we're in the middle of a storm here in the USA. There is tension surrounding our political transition, there is uncertainty as we continue to fight the Covid crisis both here and around the globe. Economically, people are struggling and emotionally, people are mostly tired and fearful at the same time.
2021 has just begun, and I hear the fatigue in the voices of people that I talk to, yet there is also a hint of hope! There's a promise that something will change, that it can't continue like this much longer. There's a reminder that we're not walking through this alone.
We're reminded from the words of Jesus in Matthew 11: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (ESV)
We're also reminded that many, many people have been through suffering over the years, and often much worse than we are experiencing. Life is difficult, and we're called to keep our eyes on HIM and to trust HIM in all that we do and say.
Today I want to share 4 quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. that encourage me. We celebrate his life here in the USA this week, but his words are bold and true. I've been encouraged by these words again today:
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." Martin Luther King Jr.
"If you can't fly, then run; If you can't run, then walk; If you can't walk, then crawl; But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward." Martin Luther King Jr.
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend." Martin Luther King Jr.
"The time is ALWAYS right to do what's right." Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, let me simply challenge each of you to ponder these words and to be encouraged. Fear and uncertainty has a way of paralyzing us. That is the last thing we need to be right now, is stuck.
Breathe deep and keep moving forward!
*I received this note from Oscar in Ecuador this week in response to the past couple of posts. He begins by thanking us for sharing about the Service Dog for their son, and is thankful for God's provision. I thank those of you as well from this email list that responded.
Oscar goes on to share this:
"As I reflected on the great thoughts you and Ty shared I would like to share something read this week from Brendon Burchard the author of the best seller High Performance Habits (one of the books I want to read this year.
"Ever notice how someone suddenly decides to eat better and workout when they have a health scare? Yeah. When you realize life is short, you get your act together. You deeply appreciate your days, and when you deeply appreciate your days it shows up in your priorities and time management. Show me someone so comfortable they no long prioritize personal development, excellence and giving, and I'll show you someone taking life for granted”
One of the things I have decided to focus more this year is not takin life for granted (in the face of witnessing first hand so much need and death last year) and appreciate with fresh eyes the life that God has given me and every moment with those I love and love me. One of my things is what you called the "healthy focused balance” I call it “the pendulum law” where there are times when you work very hard but after that you need to have time to balance that with your family or your self for example.
This year I want to live the life that was given to me in a way that matters and that means to continuously work on putting the "big rocks” first to clarify priorities, to focus on relationships, the things that are important etc.
Thank you for sharing inspiring thoughts,
Oscar
Things I'm Reading, Listening To, an Watching This Week:
This is the book Oscar quotes that we've highlighted before: High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard.
John Mayer is frequently on my playlist. His Essential Album has some great tunes and one that I recommend over and over again.
2 books that I try to return to every year simply to be reminded of some great principles: Peter F. Druckers, The Effective Executive and Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
OK... Today I'm celebrating Gina's Birthday! Gina is my wife of 33 years, and today is her day! I'm so thankful that she was born, that she chose to spend her life with me, and there is no way to appropriately honor her, but today I'm celebrating! Celebrate with me!