Comments on: What Is at Stake?

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:38:09 +0000

Connie–Thanks and such an important question.

By: Connie Lard

Connie Lard — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:34:21 +0000

Memories. What am I doing with my children/grandchildren that will build the kind of memories that will help sustain them in years to come?

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:24:18 +0000

Karin,Glad you have come here. You are right. It is easy to be overwhelmed by a sense of failure at the end of the day. A couple of suggestions:*Instead of comparing your failures to your successes, look at your failures in light of the tender mercy of God which looms larger than any failure. Bask in his goodness which is ocean-size. Consider how his goodness and mercy is so much larger than your failure.*You might pray that daily introspection will only serve to give you an accurate picture of yourself (like looking in the mirror to check you appearance). However, the evil one will use something good like this to condemn and accuse, when instead we need to be drawn to God’s grace.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:11:28 +0000

Thanks Jen– Post-move and pre-baby describes a lot of change in everyday life. I appreciate what you said regarding "boring" days (which we all have) and need to be reminded that much is at stake even on those days.

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:09:36 +0000

Hello Alison,Very good. Gratitude would fit nicely in this list and is very important. I like what you said regarding it beging a reminder that the day is not about me.

By: Alison

Alison — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:30:29 +0000

As usual, Jim, a great post. I think I would add gratitude to your list of what’s at stake in an "ordinary" day. It’s so easy to get caught up in busyness that (at least I don’t) deliberately take time to be thankful for what’s going on, for the chances I have to act in integrity, to give love, to listen, to serve, to spread joy. As a result, I find myself caught up in self-centeredness, thinking of all the things that "have" to get done today, instead of thinking of all the opportunties I have to have an impact. Gratitude allows for that thought-shift, to slow down enough to say, "My life really isn’t about me anyway".
I’ll write more on my blog, since this could get long!

By: Jen

Jen — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:09:06 +0000

This came at a perfect time; thanks for the thoughts. I have been struggling with purpose and value in my new place in life post-move and pre-baby, and this is a good reminder that no matter what is involved in each day there are always opportunities to be closer to God and open to his adventure. Thank you for the reminder that even my seemingly boring days have much at stake.

By: karin

karin — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:47:33 +0000

After evaluating my day similar to the way you do, why is it that my failure to measure up in certain areas, looms much larger than the areas in which I think I have succeeded. Am I too introspective – sometimes? Once again – I realize I cannot ever measure up — and that’s why the Savior came! I am once again forgiven and tomorrow is another day to obey and seek to do His Will. I’m new here and am enjoying reading your blog. Lots to think about on here!

By: Iain L Stuart

Iain L Stuart — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:00:11 +0000

As you so often do, you really opened up a topic that is "real". I have actually copied your points from this blog, called it "How will I use this day?" and pasted it beside my computer monitor. Thanks!
Iain

By: Jim Martin

Jim Martin — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:53:29 +0000

Cheryl,Good for you! I really like what you said about stopping in the middle of your day to meet these girls at Panera Bread. Thanks so much for this.