I am in my mid 50’s, and although I am far from retirement, I do take time to reflect and ponder the lessons I have learned in life. Here are seven lessons that took a deeper meaning for me in 2022 and may help you as we enter a new year:
All experiences, whether positive or negative, can shape us and help us grow.
- Experiences can impact our lives on a micro or macro level. Don’t let these moments pass you by without gaining something from them.
Live life to the fullest!
- If God has dropped a dream inside you, be prepared to move in obedience. Go ahead and take action, and put it all on the line! If you missed God (hearing Him), don’t worry – He has a way of helping us even in those times. Plus – There is always a way back from any setback! At the very least, you will gain some important insight along the road.
Time is more precious than we know.
- Time passes quickly, so make sure to make the most of it. If you knew you wouldn’t be around (to live much longer), how would you treat your family, friends, or co-workers? Guess what… you won’t live forever. Your time on this earth is short, so get over yourself and start loving people!!
Take time and reflect.
- Reflect on the things you wish you had done more or less of in the past, and prioritize your life accordingly. Thinking about it is good, but if you are still living, there is time to make some changes. Stop doing the stuff you hate and start doing the things you love. No excuses… do it!
Allow only a few people into the deepest parts of your life.
- You should know that you can’t share everything with everyone. There are even people with who you thought you could share sensitive life on life topics but later realized that was a bad idea. Allow just a few people into the deepest parts of your life. These are people who have a history with you, know you well, and love you. Allow yourself to be vulnerable with them. There will be a time when this is necessary.
Never stop dreaming.
- All of us should want to make a difference. When we stop dreaming, in a sense – we stop living. As Christians, we need to keep dreaming as we seek to align our lives with God’s will and to use our talents and abilities to serve others and make a positive impact in the world.
Keep Proverbs 4:23 in mind (and heart)
- Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse is a reminder that our hearts are the center of who we are, and everything we do is influenced by our inner thoughts and feelings. It suggests that we should be careful about what we allow into our hearts, as it will ultimately shape our actions and decisions. If we keep this verse on the forefront of our minds and allow it to penetrate our “heart of hearts,” it will serve us well in life. Selah 🙂
