The story of Israel is wrapping up.
He will pass away at the end of chapter 49.
He will pass away at the end of chapter 49.
This reminds me of a few things that I try to keep in mind about finishing my life well:
1. There is the old adage, "keep your friends close but your enemies closer." Life is too short to spend a majority of it, in enemy lookout control. I want those closest to me, to be the ones who know my dreams and are committed to challenging me to fulfilling them.
2. At the end of my run, most of the battles I have fought will not be as significant as they felt at the time. In "The Contrarians Guide To Leadership", Stephen Sample titles a chapter... "Know which hill you are willing to die on." If I am going to have conflict with another person, I want it to mean something. Much of the time I give way too much thought to petty squabbles.
3. I live for four smiles. My God, myself, my wife and my mentor. This approach to people pleasing, simplifies my attempt to succeed. When you allow everyone to define what success is for you, you'll be trying to achieve success in so many avenues, it will be like going 90 miles per hour and traveling nowhere.
4. Situations that look like the end of the world will rarely ever actually "end" the world. So, I will take a deep breath and "try" to keep a cool head in all situations.
5. Finishing well is important. Israel does some things in his life, that as we read it we think... "this person is being used by God?" We are all a collection of victories and defeats, strengths and weaknesses. The key is learning from the defeats and weaknesses, while keeping a healthy perspective in the victories and strengths.
This is important to me because, at twenty six I can pre-decide my actions in the midst of situations that tend to be more reactive, and can cause great trouble.
"Father, You are the reason for the joy I have. Thank You that Your word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
