For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Luke 14: 28-30
Heavenly Father, as Your children, we enter this new year depending completely on You! We realize that if we are going to advance and be successful we will need Your wisdom. So please speak to us Lord, for we are listening! In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen,
We are still in the beginning of months. The unknown lies ahead of us while the past with its victories and disappointments are behind us. As we prepare for what we hope will be our best year ever, I would like to recommend 4 “Ps” that I believe will help us to accomplish our goal.
The first P is Precaution. Acting with precaution will more than likely keep us from becoming presumptuous! Remember, even though life will continue its march as it did at 11: 59 p.m. on December 31, 2017, that is no guarantee that your circumstances will. A new year brings with it changes! For one thing you are going to be one year older. Do not fear the changes that come with growing old. Meet them with precaution, and the determination to learn from them. In the early years of life, for the majority of people, the changes are not that noticeable. But as we advance in years the changes become more challenging. Nevertheless, still no need to fear!
It is now time for our second P – Plan. Have a plan. Your plan should include every aspect of your life: intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth, safeguarding your finances, being ready for emergencies, accomplishing your goals. Think about the adjustments that growing older may demand and be ready to face them with optimism and delight! You have lived longer than some people. Hopefully you are the wiser because of it. Do not try to compete with those who are your juniors and be willing to learn from your seniors. No matter how young or old you are – throughout life you will always be younger or older than someone. Learn what you can from them, and be willing to share the lessons you have learned with them.
Our third P is Purpose. Purpose keeps us focused. When we are working toward accomplishing our purpose in life we tend to pay attention to details. We do not allow anything or anyone to distract us. We are careful to do only those things that will help us achieve our goal. Anything that might constitute an obstacle is immediately discarded. We move with precision and steadfast pace toward reaching the goal we have set.
Our final P is Priority. There is no place for procrastination. Tomorrow will definitely be too late. If we have a task to do it is given priority on the To do list. Time is of the essence if we must enter the great unknown with Prudence. Too often it is because we put things off for a better time that they are never done. There is no better time than now to do what we have to do!
So do not wait. Start with precaution to make your plan in order to fulfill your purpose in life. Make this your priority!