Learn how to love the life you're living
"I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full."
- John 10:10 (NIV)
My niece said she loves chocolate ice cream, and it made me think about the many things we say we love.
But I had to stop and think how often do you hear someone say, "I love my life."
God wants us to love our lives. He gave them to us. Most of my life I have liked; but, don't get me wrong, there are many aspects of it I haven't loved. But overall, I have learned to enjoy my life through them and, at times, despite them.
Loving our life starts with knowing God and forming a relationship with him. Having a prayer life and learning to be grateful for the big and small things helps us live in the present.
Having some goals along the way, at any age, whether we achieve them or not, can help us feel empowered about our choices for our life. Also, keeping them in proper perspective to enjoy where we are on the way to where we are going brings balance.
Learning to let go of regrets - I wish I would have; I should have; and I could have - helps us keep moving forward and living in the moment.
Keeping our mistakes in proper perspective and learning valuable lessons from our past helps us to become wiser. I ask God to work all my mistakes out for my good. It's a promise from the Bible in Romans 8:28: "We know that in all things God works for the good to those who love him."
Discovering our gifts and talents helps us find the joy in what God has given us to do. This can be achieved at any age.
We all love to make comparisons. However, resisting the demon of comparison helps us to appreciate who we are and what we have. When that devil knocks on the door of our hearts, we must resist answering it.
Learning the balance of work and play helps us to have a healthier life, and giving ourselves proper time for working and recreation is how God created us to function.
Stretching ourselves to try new things, no matter how hard it may seem, helps us to develop ourselves. It helps us grow in courage and confidence.
Most importantly, keeping a positive, healthy outlook, regardless of how bad our present circumstances may look, strengthens our faith.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.