I realize it is in my power to attain all the good things in life God has planned for me since the beginning.
When my children were born, I made plans to give them every good thing I could, so our Father has these same plans for us. It is important to understand that believing this will stop unfortunate things from happening to us or around us, because we live in a world of imperfection and we are each imperfect.
However as I grow older, reflection on the choices I've made in the past is becoming more and more frequent, and how these choices have affected God's plan for me is a regular question I've asked myself. How could I have considered my steps more carefully before jumping into relationships, jobs and other life changing events? Only later, after being bruised and broken was time spent pondering the situation. “I should have done this or that”, or “Why did I do this or that?”.
I realize that if I had considered my steps before hand I may have made a healthier choice and experienced a more prosperous outcome. In talking with women over the last several months, I've learned that many of us do not choose. We simply walk through life and allow things to happen, then react to them. However stopping and choosing before blindly allowing things to happen, can result in a happier ending. The Bible calls this being prudent.
Because the Proverbs are full of this word prudent/prudence, I looked up its meaning. According to Websters Dictionary it is defined as: Caution or circumspection as to the danger or risk, the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. (Also see Proverbs 13, 14, 15, 19, 22 and others)
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” Proverbs 27:12 NIV
Basically, I should be in tune with what is going on around me and to me. Recognizing when a choice needs to be made, then think through what the outcome may be if I do this or that. Carefully considering if it is a wise and healthy decision for my life.
It is important to realize that some of our best choices can be made when advice is sought from wiser, more experienced men and women who's lives have proven successful. An older woman once told me, “You don't really know a person for at least 16 months.” Of course this is not enough time to know a person fully, but within that time some significant character issues are revealed. This means it is very smart to spend time doing other things (other than s*x that is) together, before making a serious commitment. Try this. It works. I followed my friends advice with two men I dated, and was amazed at what was revealed in their characters within a short year. I was so relieved that I hadn't given in to strong emotions, wasting myself and my time in the wrong relationship yet again.
For example: Before falling completely in love with this man I've known for only a few weeks, let me first consider getting to know him for a year or so. So I can see how he deals with people, what his good and poor habits are. Does he show signs of instability or lack of self control (s*xually, with his anger, or in any other life altering way?) Many people can hide things like drug and alcohol addictions, even a marriage for months. These are things we deal with after our hearts have lead us far from what it best. We end up in painful, unhappy relationships, that leave us feeling lonely, bitter, hopeless, and used by men. When really it is all in our control.
We should also consider if we ourselves have any of these poor characteristics that need changing before being in a relationship. Am I faithful, honest, stable? Do I lack self control? If yes, seek the appropriate guidance without shame, and commit to changing. None of us is perfect. Become what is healthy and you will attract healthier people to you.
I now realize how extremely important having a personal relationship with my maker is. The power in believing in Him, trusting in Him, and not doing things He says I should not do. I am learning how to pray through everything and not doubt Him. This brings prosperity, happiness, and peace even through the most difficult times. Drawing closer to Him everyday brings about all the good things in life He has planned for me to enjoy since the beginning.
...'I've learned that many of us do not choose. We simply walk through life and allow things to happen, then react to them"...
This is so very true Sister Sophia. I've been caught up in this type of happen stance and have cried woe it's me when I allowed things to happen to me. Life is about choices and I've been a better person since realizing this amazing revelation.
Tuesday, June 16th 2009 at 9:06PM
Jen Fad
