John Harrell's Blog, page 67

Aging

Aging doesn’t suck. There are a variety of benefits to getting older. You have acquired wisdom, you approach things more methodically, your relationships gain importance, and you have learned what is important in life.

Young people would be wise to pick the brains of older people. Learn from their mistakes. See opportunities previously unseen.

And remember, you are like a fine wine. You get better with age…

Christians

If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

We sometimes get confused about what a Christian should look like. Christian men and women are not pious or preachy. Christians should not hold others in judgment. Christian people are known by their actions, not their knowledge of Scripture.

Look at Jesus. He was perfect and showed us the character of God in human form. He redeemed and restored others. He hung out with the people no one else thought he should. While many religious leaders of that time shunned sinners, Jesus welcomed them.

We too should be recognized as Christians by our actions. Nothing more is necessary. Take the writing of Saint Francis into consideration: “preach the Gospel always. Use words when necessary…”

Blazing A Trail

The very moment you were born you altered history. That’s right! You are part of the story of the world.

Use this revelation as fuel to create your legacy. Blaze a trail. Leave your mark. Find out why you are here and pursue it with everything you have in you.

It’s your time. Make something of it…

Finding Purpose

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation, and die with their song still in them.” Do you want to die unfulfilled? I don’t think you do.

Let’s go on a journey together to find purpose and meaning in our lives. The first thing to do is pray. Ask God to show you the way to your higher purpose. Then ask God for the courage to follow through and do it.

Step two is to take an inventory of what you are good at. What makes you feel alive? Write everything down. Keep your list with you and add to it as things come to light.

Step three is to begin. Start moving in the direction you are led in. Don’t concern yourself with having everything figured out beforehand. The pathway will open as you take steps. Be fearless.

Expect setbacks and frustrations. They are natural. Work through them and keep moving forward.

Finally, thank God regularly that He is on this road with you. Thank Him for guidance and for lifting hurdles.

Start now. Do not hesitate. I look forward to seeing you on the road less traveled…

Holiday Blues

The holidays bring out a variety of different emotions. I hate to admit it, but I’m always glad when the holidays are over. They were always a disappointment to me during my childhood, so memories really do have muscle.

I love to see people enjoying and celebrating the holidays. Families and friends share some happy moments and create memories. These are good things.

There are other people who are struggling, doing everything they can to hold it together. People put on a good front but they might be dying inside. For this reason, I encourage you to slow down during the holiday rush. Whatever you are in a hurry for can wait. Take the time to show a little extra kindness.

Your kindness might be someone’s last, best hope…

Retirement

Retirement is something many people look forward to. They dream of doing the things they always wanted to do, and now they have the time.

Studies demonstrate that retiring might not be the panacea we hope it is. In fact, the later in life that you retire, the longer your life expectancy. Many people experience mental health problems. Their daily sense of purpose is gone.

Why not do the things you always wanted right now instead of waiting? We truly don’t know how long we will live. Go find yourself and live now.

Experience life. Engage. Dream. And then go do…

Dread

Do you have things you dread? I believe we all have them. But our approach makes the difference.

Attitude is everything. Tackling the things we want to do least and making them our first priority gets them off our backs. Confidence grows, and the remainder of our daily is all downhill.

Do the things you don’t want to do before you do anything else. You will be glad you did…

Forward Thinking

The statement, “we should do it this way because we’ve always done it this way” is backwards thinking. Companies have gone out of business because of this limited thought process. We must be better.

Conditions change. We evolve. Our thoughts, guided by the Creator, should be focused on seeing possibilities. We renew ourselves which benefits others immensely.

Get rid of the old ways if they are not serving you well. Move into the creative side of your mind. It’s waiting for you…

Following

There are leaders and followers. Which one are you?

Following the masses will only take you as far as the crowd goes. Leadership means doing the right thing even when it’s unpopular and uncomfortable. Leaders have a servants heart, and they are not afraid of taking risks. Leading means accepting responsibility when you screw up, and you will. No one gets things right one hundred percent of the time.

Take the lead. Lead well…

Hope

What do you hope for? Wealth, a spouse or a child, or maybe you hope your health is restored? Hope is all we have when we don’t have anything else.

In 2021, one study revealed that 42% of students felt hopeless. They feared the future because they didn’t believe it held any promise for them. This is both alarming and a little frightening. Young people should be the ones who bring light into the world, yet many are clouded in darkness.

Adults are struggling, too. Mental health was shredded from fear and isolation during the pandemic. So what can we do?

Reach out to others. Check on them. Maybe a quick phone call or text doesn’t mean much in the moment, but it might be exactly what someone needs in that moment. You will benefit, too.

You might be someone’s last, best hope. Make contact…