Learning Curve

I haven’t had time to write over the last couple months but I’m thankful to say that things are looking up. Prioritizing or frequently shifting gears isn’t the easiest thing to do but all of us have to. It’s part of learning and having a purposeful life.

In general, it’s time and effort but that’s oversimplifying. Some factors impacting the curve are cognition, intelligence, personality, attitude, and environment. How we think and apply what we know or learn is different for everybody. But in my opinion, it’s a choice that depends on character and faith.

A while ago I was talking with my niece Rebekah and part of our conversation reminded her of the “Serenity Prayer” written by American theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr. Many of you may know it but here’s how it goes:

I told Rebekah it was funny that I had recently thought of the prayer, looked it up and told her the part (actually one word) I disagree with. I don’t have to accept anything in this world; I do, however, have to understand what I can’t change. Sometimes it’s tough to hold back but it’s usually better to pray than to take someone out at the knees! In all honesty, I had to be reminded of that just last week! As we just celebrated Easter, we know the message is redemption. We have all sinned and deserve God’s judgment but God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the Son of God, who lived a sinless life, willingly hung on the cross and died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. And as the song goes:

Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living just because He lives.

Songwriters Bill and Gloria Gaither

Now is the perfect time for renewed hope, appreciating the beauty of Spring and praising the Lord for all our blessings.

Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6