Daily Success
How do you measure if you’ve had a successful day?
On many days at the Brown House, if I avoided a trip to the emergency room, it was a good day. If I didn’t visit the first aid kit and didn’t destroy a template, jig, or essential power tool, I consider that a positive.
If I accomplished my goals today and my wife is still talking to me, I feel like I came out ahead. By the way, I do set goals at the outset of each day so I can make sure I do what needs to be done. There are always:
Priority One Items (must do)Priority Two (important and should be done today)My Wish List (if I can squeeze them in, I’ll do it, otherwise they get carried over to tomorrow)
When you view your life’s purpose as serving others, even in retirement, there is never enough time to get everything done. You will be crazy busy and filled with Joy Unspeakable. You must remember to serve your spouse and the rest of your family before other folks, but plan your day well enough to include everyone.
Make sure you take care of the essentials, your spouse, your children, your diet and exercise, and your spiritual life including time each day in the Word to gain a full measure of encouragement. At the beginning of each week, take time to consider the six days ahead and what you can do now to prepare. Then on the seventh day, rest, recharge, and refill. Rest from your labor, recharge your spiritual battery, and refill your faith so you have enough to share when given the opportunity.
I have the best job in the world in that I love every minute and work doesn’t seem that much like work these days. But I have learned to take a break on the seventh day. Not too many years ago I got the message that I could accomplish more in six days of work if I rested on the seventh day than I could if I worked seven days straight.
Sometimes it seems like nothing is getting done, but when I think back to this time last year, I am amazed at what we’ve accomplished, the goals we’ve reached as a family, and the people we have served; we are blessed indeed. Remember that wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this message:
(Prov 6:6–8 [NIV2]) Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
(Prov 16:3 [NIV2]) Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
(Exod 31:17 [NIV2]) It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.
