I gave up a LONG time ago vowing to eat right (it happens, but not frequently), exercise daily (my sloth refuses to be thwarted from an occasional outing), learn a new language (since I have not mastered the one I currently claim as my primary mode of communication), or any of numerous deserving improvements which I will have a difficult time sticking with. I refuse to set myself up for failure by drawing lines in the sand and vowing from this day forward I will change. We are creatures of habit, and believe me, my habits are deeply ingrained after all these years. It is more constructive to work toward change and accept the occasional slip. We can then pick ourselves up, brush off, and start again. Change is not instantaneous, but a process.
We decided while talking over the New Year, we would be better served by coming up with NOT JUST an area to seek improvement, but a plan for how we would achieve the desired improvement. I am going to exercise every day (or every other day or once a week--pick a number). HOW am I going to ensure this will happen? An accountability partner, a class, a group or even your fitbit can help you stay on track. Someone or something which is reminding you of your commitment.
NOW THAT I HAVE SET YOU UP---one of my "goals" or "chances to change" is to stay in my own lane. I am NOT happy with my propensity to ignore the board in my own eye and instead focus on the splinter in the fingers of others. I need to learn to-
It seems to be much easier to critique my neighbor than to objectively examine my own heart. This year---I am working on that. Refusing to getting drawn in to giving unwanted and unsolicited advice and instead focusing on the lane in front of me. There is a fine line between being helpful and compassionate and nosy and critical.
So how am I going to do this? I am telling you and all my friends, stop me if you hear me straying into the land of None of My Business. You will know when I begin to cross the line and stray into your lane. Stop me--remind me---stay in your lane.
I am so thankful, we serve a God who is interested in our sanctification, knows it is a process, and never gives up on us. The first step in the process of change is identifying the need and coming up with a plan. With God's help all things are possible, even me staying in my own lane.
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14