I have found myself at an interesting place during my life. I am 29 and currently living and working in Austria among college students. Last year the Lord invited me to pack up and move thousands of miles away for a new adventure, an adventure of the heart.
My previous year in Austria was a hard year for me for a number of reasons; some within my control and others not. Within that there were many celebrations and much joy too. This summer, I was blessed to return to the US for over a month and while I was there I got to thinking. Here is what I came up with...
1. My little heart noticeably aches. This is not where I thought I was going to be at this point in my life, however, I see my life as truly blessed and led by the Holy Spirit. I need to refocus the ache towards intimacy with Christ.
2. I am returning to Austria for another year (at least). I have the power to change some things but first I need to reorder my thinking.
3. There are many changes that will happen in the near further with regards to my job. I HAVE HOPE...and HOPE does not disappoint.
With the above three mentioned, I got to thinking (and praying) some more and came up with a list. This is what I call the "I want to be a person who..." list. This is how I want the world, and my Jesus, to see me. This is a list of the things that I like in other people and in myself. Most of these things at one time or another in my life I did, but I have stopped doing them for one reason or another.
It is a positive list. This is not about what I do not want to be but rather what I want to be.
I invite you to make one as well.
Here are some examples and things I have learned so far...
1. "I want to be a person who exercises regularly." What does that mean? How often? Be specific. It is ok to have a general idea but it cannot stand alone. You must define your terms for your own good and so that others can lovingly keep you accountable.
2. These things take time but this is a LIFE change. It will be about the journey. It is not a good idea to introduce more than one thing a week. Also, you may want to put a hold on adding something new until you have a hold on the previous. "I want to be a person who is smoke free." Quitting smoking is a hard process and it involves relearning how to do many things.
3. Remember it take about 21 days to break a habit. Some things will take that long. Do not avoid something difficult because of fear. In many cases, the most difficult things may be what we need to overcome first to give us the confidence to tackle the other stuff.
4. Do not do this without Jesus! In high school, I remember being upset that my parents did not come to my dance meets. I brought it up to my mother and she looked at me and said, "You never invited us." Invite Jesus to be a part of this journey with you; ask Him what He wants you to focus on and grow in. Lean on Him and allow Him to show you just how strong you are.
5. Use the media for good. There are many studies that have come out saying that this is good for you or this is bad for you. If you see something, research it and perhaps incorporate it in your plan. Use resources on the internet to help you come up with comprehensive plans to change. For example...I want to be a person who is lives in a high fructose corn syrup free home or I want to be a person who follows and complete's Shawn T's Insanity workout plan.
This is what this blog will focus on. The journey of my LIFE CHANGE. I hope to inspire and gain friends for support along the way.
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