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Living a Satisfied Life

A Proverb

"Our anger and annoyance are more detrimental to us than the things themselves which anger or annoy us." 1

A Thought

“I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect … the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.2

A Fairytale Ending

“So Cinderella married the Prince and lived happily ever after.”

To Ponder

I have been thinking about living a satisfied life. Recent events have driven some introspection into what it means to live “happily ever after.”

Poor Cinderella – abandoned, abused, maligned, mistreated – and then, dazzled by her Fairy Godmother, she danced into happiness and satisfaction only to have hopes dashed by the strike of the clock. Now, here’s someone who should be upset about how she was treated! But, in this fairy tale there is nothing about her complaining, or seeking “resolution.” She moved on.

How did she do that? What Cinderella did may be a lesson for all of us: she forgave and forgot. She did not let her mistreatment shape her future. She moved on and lived “happily ever after.” Her glass was half full!

Leaders are to set examples by forgetting what is past and pressing on. “A Thought” (above) was written by a Jewish Rabbi "rock star." Wealthy. A man of influence. Trained at the best schools. Lead the group designated to “clean up” the religious malcontents (Christians) and persecuted people who did not believe as he. Had some of those religious rebels killed. Many jailed. He was a “rock star” in the religious establishment.

But, he too, had an enlightening experience, not with his Fairy Godmother, but with the Creator of the Universe. And this man, who was the scourge of those who followed “The Way,” became its leader, writing a good portion of the New Testament.

He focused on what was before him, not the anguish he had behind him. There are two winners in this story: those who suffered because of the Pharisee named Saul yet were able to accept him as their new leader (talk about forgiveness!); and then Saul, who become the Apostle Paul, who could have been haunted by his past was able to forge a new, happier life. That’s our model. A real Cinderella story.

A Challenge

Are you ready to live “happily ever after?”

Copyright ©2011 by P. Griffith Lindell

1Marcus Aurelius
2Philippians 3:12a;13b (GNT)

Relax. Take it easy…in THIS economy! Yes.

A Proverb

"First pay attention to God, and then relax. Now you can take it easy--you're in good hands”1

A Thought

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.”2

To Ponder

Greece’s debt is about to crush them: which makes the EU fragile, making the USA economy unstable. China says we are already in default of their bonds. Moody’s is threatening to downgrade our AAA status. The mid-East is in an uproar. Japan is struggling after the disaster. Volcanoes are spewing ash in various places in the world – crops are affected – the weather patterns are changing. Corn is now trading at nearly $8/bushel (normal is around $2/b) – the impact of that is yet to be felt. Gas prices are high. Real unemployment is around 10%. Tired of governmental regulations, license fees, registrations, people are starting new businesses without notifying any governmental authority - just to survive. A “black-market” economy is emerging.

So, relax. Do life right. Right living - you know, be righteous. Practice righteousness. Become God-absorbed – not news absorbed.

The proverb says to first “Pay attention to God.” Bet you turn on the news first. Or read the paper. I get it – habits. Morning news while flying around the kitchen grabbing breakfast is a habit. Good for stress. Not relaxing.

Becoming absorbed with God is the decision that’s needed: so absorbed that no matter if wars rage; if the economy falls flat; if sickness ravages the family; if the business falls apart; no matter the circumstance, we can relax. We can live without anxiety. And this takes discipline.

Easy words to write. Much harder to do. I understand. And the reason? Here’s what I know about myself: it so much easier to be self-absorbed. It's my nature. I suspect that it might be yours, too.

Self-absorbed equals anxiety. God-absorbed equals relaxation. The choice should be clear.

A Challenge

What will you choose?

1Proverbs 1: 33 MSG; 2 Phil 4:6-7 NLT

Copyright (c) 2011 by P. Griffith Lindell