17 days and still counting!

It's been 17 days now - 17 days of being unwell - and the doctor said today it will be at least another 2 weeks before all is clear and working correctly. So with medication, physio exercises life is getting a little easier and each day I feel a little stronger - a little more normal.
The confinement has been quite bearable - lots of sleep - but in the waking moments lots of time to talk with God - to once again centre myself in Him - to refocus on what is important - priorities - to look again at goals - where God wants me to be - what is His focus for me here!

So, back at work with strict orders not to overdo it - light duties - so what are light duties for an officer? I know that there is no question - no other option for me at this time and I will be obedient - but it got me thinking - do we as officers, as Christians, sometimes choose light duties rather than getting stuck into the fight?

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm comes from two Greek words: en (within); theos (God).

Therefore, enthusiasm means God within!

Since God is not condemning, complaining and criticizing you, then when we ourselves do these things, we know it is not God within speaking!

But, your Creator is within you enabling you to speak words that build up instead of tear down; words that encourage rather than discourage; words that admire rather than disparage; words that compliment rather than destroy.

Things that make you say "Hmmmmm...."

What if we are not joyful today because we were not thankful yesterday? And what if we are blessed tomorrow because we are grateful today?

What if we are not inspired and motivated today because we were not committed and disciplined yesterday? And what if we are inspired and motivated tomorrow because we are committed and disciplined today?

What if we were never able to see a rainbow because we were too busy complaining about the rain? And what if today we couldn’t experience the warmth of the sun because we focused on the coldness of the shadow?

What if there were no more books tomorrow because we didn’t take the time to read today? And what if there were no life changing tapes today because we didn’t take the time to record our experiences yesterday?

What if our prayers were not answered tomorrow because we didn’t listen to our heart today? And what if we did not follow our true "calling" today because we did not "hear" the phone ring yesterday?

What if life does not give you what you want today because you didn’t ask for it yesterday? And what if life will give you anything you want tomorrow if you would simply ask for it today?

What if you have gotten today ten times what you gave yesterday? And what if you get tomorrow ten times what you give today?

What if you are not getting the Message today because you didn’t listen to the Messenger yesterday? And what if you don’t get the Message tomorrow because you didn’t listen to the Messenger today?

What if your life today is a reflection of your thoughts yesterday? And what if your thoughts today are a reflection of your life tomorrow?

A Quiz

Can you name the following:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Brownlow medal winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss Australia contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Logie Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade’s worth of AFL winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? The lesson?

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that simply care the most.