Never underestimate nor overlook the inspiration that can come from a next door neighbor. Earlier this morning our next door neighbor posted something on Facebook and it sparked a thought which sparked a thought which sparked this last entry of the year for 2011.
Having played sports I have often heard and have often said, “Leave it all on the field”, or “leave it all on the court.” Meaning, once the game is over you should be depleted of every ounce of energy, emotion, drive and inspiration that went into playing that particular game. At times we do just that. At other times, we don’t. Back in the mid 1980’s I ran two marathons. I can assure you that at the end of each I had nothing left, not that I had set any records but what I took into the marathon I left in the marathon.
In looking back at 2011 I wonder if I left it all on the field. In all honesty, no, I did not. Without listing them there are goals I could have and should have met, people and their lives I should have touched or at least reached out to, laughed more, read more, loved more, encouraged more.
As we approach midnight less than eight hours away at the time of this writing I will do more in 2012. I will set a few goals by tomorrow and hope to set even more as the year progresses. And one promise I can make right now is, as the Apostle Paul said, I will “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.”
I would encourage you to write down some goals for the new year and forget 2011 and what may have befallen you, except to hold deep all that God brought you through and how He continues to sustain you. Read the Bible more, for some just read the Bible, listen to those around you and what they are actually saying, look for those who are weak and strengthen them, hold to those who can strengthen you when you need it, taste something new, smell something different, don’t be scared of a boss or a company who potentially can let you go, you will survive it and remember this line as written by King David, “what can man do to me…”
Who knows, if the Mayans are correct and the year ends December 21, 2012, then that should be even more inspiration to explore new trails, speak to strangers, and paint over the old colors of the walls of your life with new vibrant colors. Here’s one you may think unattainable but it’s not. One of my closest friends and I were discussing this two nights ago at the Waffle House. Yes, God works mightily at The Waffle House. Talk to God as though He is your friend, tell Him the details of your life, He loves details. Moses talked to God face to face and God considered Moses a friend. Wow!! Just talk to God, no ramp up words, no warm up ceremony, just have a conversation with Him.
And lastly, before my wife and I go to meet friends on this New Year’s Eve and eat, sit by a bonfire and bring in the new year, I want to leave my family with this for 2012, God will lead me to a job and a calling, God will give me a bigger heart, God will give me bigger dreams and God will continue the squash the “me” out of me until my life is truly about Him, you and others.
Now for the inspiration from the next door neighbor whose name is Cherie, (yes her real name).
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck
Bring it 2012! Happy New Year!
I AM STRONG,
JHH
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