OK, so last week we took out the trash! Or at leastwe’ve identified habits that need to go as we step into 2018. My prayer is that when we look back on this year, we are grateful for the progress we made and steps we took.
But like I mentioned last week, it’s going to take some intentional behaviors. I find that many times, we can focus so much on changing a bad habit, that we never replace it with a good one! I’ve witnessed people stop smoking, only to pick up drinking ! Or they get out of a bad relationship, only to start a new one the same way.
It’s really important that we aren’t just eliminating behaviors and negative patterns, but replacing them with healthier ones.
So as promised, I want to share with you 5 things I’m intentionally picking up this year. I hope this also helps you!
-
A Sword
No, not a literal sword (although that would be kinda cool).
Allow me to explain. For most of us, the life that we desire and the blessing that we seek, is on the other side of the fight we’ve been avoiding. This may not be true in your life, but I’ve had to fight for anything of value in my life, and laziness has cost me more than I care to share.
When I was young, I used to fight against people (literally). But now, I try to spend my time fighting for them. I fight, by holding on to truth in a culture trying to redefine it. I fight, by encouraging and challenging others to pursue God’s best for their life. I fight, by believing the scriptures like, “all things are working together for my good.” And I fight by resisting temptations to compromise and give in to poor thinking.
Most of all, I fight with my sword, The Word of God, but applying its amazing truths to every area of my life. As a husband and father, businessman, church builder and aspiring entrepreneur, it’s very easy to lose grip on right priorities and neglect reading and meditating for personal growth. But this year that changes. I am committing to picking my weapon more often and learning to use it more skillfully in the battles of life.
-
A Shovel
Nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished without hard work and I’ve realized that often my effort doesn’t match my stated aspirations. Can you relate? I’m not just talking about busy work, but being intentional about giving yourself to what God has put in front of you and inside of you. Whether it’s fitness, family or business goals, typically what separates one person from another isn’t their talent, but their effort.
For me, too often there’s a remote in my hand instead of a shovel, and a pizza instead of a salad! So this year, I’m committing to the work of the dream, not just the dream. Let this be the year be where you intentionally labor for what matters to you!
-
A Rope
Being a father has made me realize even more that my life doesn’t just belong to me, but to those who are depending on me. Despite how independent you think you are, we all need each other in some form. We were made to be inter-dependent, which is why every human being craves companionship at some level.
It’s been said, “if you want to go quick, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” It’s too easy in life to become wrapped up in your own life. I’ve recognized that my concern with my own happiness often diverts my attention away from the people who need my help.
In the parable about the Good Samaritan, only one of three men stopped to help someone in desperate need. I for one am tired of just seeing a need and not meeting it! So more than ever, I am picking up others around me who need help and extending a rope to those who have fallen into pits in life. Imagine what could happen if we all did!
-
A Healthy Discussion
2017 was marked by division. Racism, religious violence, hatred and political bullying spewed from media outlets as America and really the world revealed their true colors. As I wrote last year, disagreement is the real test of love. Meaning, you don’t really love someone if you can’t disagree with them without ruining the relationship.
Solving the world’s problems are WAY above my pay grade. But I can be a light in my personal sphere of influence. I can build bridges through healthy conversation and confront hate, ignorance and division with love, reason and grace. I can choose to intentionally love those around me regardless of their color, religion or political views. And when healthy discussion seems like a mutual impossibility, I can still choose to model it without getting offended. I can choose to be apart of the solution, or apart of the problem. So instead of shying from conversations, I’m embracing them with respect and an open mind.
-
A Pen
For me, a pen represents a passion. I am passionate about writing and fashioning a message with words.
It’s passion that makes me come alive. And so this year, I’m picking up my passion and prioritizing it. I’ve committed to develop and use it to help me accomplish my purpose in life.
What’s your pen? If you’re like me, the pressures and busyness of life have caused you to put down your passions and pursue practicality. A battle exists in our life between comfort and calling, and too often for me, comfort gets the upper hand. Like PT Barnum said in The Great Showmen, “ah Comfort, the enemy of progress.”
This year, I’m throwing away compromise and the excuses that come with it, and picking up the passions that have been instilled in me. How about you? The world needs you operating in your God-given passions and excelling in them. So whatever it is, pick it up and let’s do this together!
I hope that you have felt my heart in these posts. I am challenging myself in these areas, so I can be the best version of myself. If you know me, hold me accountable. Send me a note or text asking how I’m doing. What are you trashing and picking up this year? I’d love to hear!
Love
PV
PJ Vescovi 