The Unknown

Not known; not within the range of one’s knowledge, experience, or understanding; strange; unfamiliar

Unrest and uncertainty are our lot.  Johan Wolfgang von Goethe

As a rule, what is out of sight disturbs men’s minds more seriously than what they see. Julius Caesar

The difference between what the most and the least learned people know is inexpressibly trivial in relation to that which is unknown. Einstein

   Human beings fear the unknown. It is often said that our greatest two fears are public speaking and death. Fearing the unknown could rank as high as third on the list. The fears of death and public speaking are directly related to the fear of the unknown. We fear death because we do not know what happens after death. We fear public speaking because we fear the possible consequences of fear and rejection if we fail. In both cases we fear the unknown. We have a tendency to fear that which we do not understand and that which we do not know. It is a wonder that we are all not supremely neurotic and paranoid. There is much we do not understand.

If we stopped to think about it, our lives are filled with uncertainty. We do not know how long we will live, how we will die, what our health issues may be, whether will be happy or not, financial secure or not; we worry about the future of our loved ones and a myriad of things that are very important to us. The undesirable traits of fear and worry come together as we contemplate our unknowns and ponder what the future brings. These things cause fear. The more we think about it the more fearful we become. Are we better off to keep our heads buried in the sand and to not think about what may await us? Fearing the unknowns can get very deep and complicated.

We are meant to live life to the fullest. An old commercial advocated living live with “gusto”. The bottom line is that the more effort we put into proactively living, the more we will be rewarded. Life involves risk and adventure. It is like a safari, we venture into the unknown not knowing what is waiting. We must deal with all that happens and deal with life’s challenges to the best of our abilities. We continue to learn and grow in the process. Our alternative is to stay back and hide within the confines of our comfort zone. If we always do what we’ve always done then we will always get what we’ve always got. Most of what we fear and worry about is irrational. We must step into the unknown if we are to go forward. It is not to be feared but to be experienced.

Challenge: If you never took risks, would you be able to ride a bike, swim, drive a car, or even find a spouse? Life is full of risks. You must take some risks to get your fair share of what life offers. An alternative is to be so fearful that you never step forward and do anything new and good for you. The majority of fears are irrational. Be mindful of how the fear of the unknown hinders your willingness to grow and stretch your boundaries.

Wisdom: As we know, there are known knowns. There are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns. That is to say, we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns; the ones we don’t know we don’t know. Donald Rumsfield

Spiritual: (NIV)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

How would our lives be different if we were not influenced or controlled by fear? What would life look like if we knew we could not fail? Would we still fear the unknowns of life as we do now? Probably not. The Bible tells us we have the capability of having such a life. It involves having a personal and interactive relationship with God. He promises that He will be there to see us through all of life’s difficulties and challenges.

Prayer: Help me to overcome any fear in my life by always turning to you to give me faith and confidence.

Stupidity

Lacking intelligence, acting ignorantly, lacking an adequate thought process

Stupidity is the deliberate cultivation of ignorance. William Gaddis

A word to the wise ain’t necessary; it’s the stupid ones who need the advice.  Bill Cosby

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Einstein

Many of us readily notice stupidity in others without acknowledging it in ourselves. We can be quick to label the actions of others as “stupid”. How often do we point our finger at ourselves as say, “Stupid?”

Using “stupid” to describe the actions of others can be rather judgmental. People do stupid things and there is no doubt about it. Driving at excessive speed, darting in and out of traffic; is “stupid.” What about those who text message on their cell phone when driving; or those spending more money than they make? Is it stupid to ignore nagging health issues? What about such things as over-eating, drinking too much, not exercising, not paying bills on time, and a long laundry list of such things? At what point do we open our eyes and spend more time noticing our own stupid actions rather than those of others? How many stupid and ignorant actions belong to us?

Our time is better spent monitoring and evaluating our own stupidity and ignorance. When concentrating on own issues we will have far less time to engage in judging others, right or wrong. A good practical definition of our stupidity would be doing or not doing something, intentionally, knowing in all likelihood it will not work out well. Stupidity applies to situations where we know better and do it anyway; we do dumb things instead of wise things; instant gratification instead of making better decisions; and doing the wrong thing instead of the right thing. If this is not stupid, then what is? Based on the above criteria, how many of us do stupid things? How many of us do something stupid every day? How stupid is that? Forest Gump said, “Stupid is as stupid does.”

The opposite of stupidity is wisdom an intelligence. Most of us have the intelligence to avoid the majority of stupid or ignorant things we do. Why do we do stupid things? Some appropriate answers would be laziness, lack of self-discipline, low motivation and poor concentration. This would include not exercising enough personal responsibility and accountability. Let us throw into the mix a noticeable shortage of high standards and principles and morals. We do not use our brains as they are intended to be used. We overcome stupidity by doing whatever it takes to make the wise and intelligent decision at every opportunity, no matter what. It is not so easy.

Challenge: How does it feel to call yourself stupid? Can you readily admit to your own stupid actions when they occur? The way to reduce stupidity is to not do stupid things. The time to do this is at decision making moments. You can choose to be stupid and ignorant, or you can choose to be wise and smart. The ramifications of this are obvious. Hold yourself accountable for always making the best choice. Do it one decision at a time.

Wisdom: Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.  Martin Luther King, Jr.

Spiritual: (NIV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors though him that loved us. Romans 8:37

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, longsuffering; gentleness, goodness and faith. Gal: 5:22

The more we are distanced from God, the more likely we will do dumb, ignorant and stupid things. Most are trying to live life in their own strength. Depending upon our level of maturity and intelligence we may have considerable success at this. On our own we will always fall short of our potential. We were designed to have fellowship with God. We cannot be at our best without having a personal and interactive relationship with him.

Prayer: Help me to listen to your guidance and counsel. Help me walk the paths that lead me where I should go.

Service

Providing assistance; helping others or a cause; giving of ourselves

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Einstein

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Anne Frank

He who wishes to secure the good of others, has already secured his own. Confucius

Have you noticed that those who seem to “have it together” are prone to be involved with helping others? They belong to “help giving” organizations as well as donating time and money to worthy causes. These individuals are unselfishly committed to giving of their service for the benefit of others.

Not only are they unselfish with their time, they have minimal ego problems, are not arrogant, are humble, loving and kind.  Many of these are good examples of those who are experiencing happiness and fulfillment. They are not motivated by “what is in for me” but rather “what can I do to help”. We have been told that it is much better to give than to receive and that the giver benefits more than the receiver. Why are so many of us have such a hard time in giving our time and effort to serve others?

Are we selfish, insecure and ungrateful? The answer is yes at least to some degree. The biggest reason probably has more to do with being afraid, fearful and insecure. It is due to a lack of faith in ourselves and our abilities. Those having issues with self-love, self-esteem and mental well-being problems find it difficult to focus outside of themselves in giving of themselves to others. Personal insecurity dominates and hampers our being concerned and empathetic for others. If we believe that it is good to help and serve; and that we benefit when doing so; if for no other reason, we should be doing these things to benefit ourselves.

It sometimes requires an act of faith to do something because it is the right and proper thing to do. The story of the Good Samaritan is a classic example of doing the right thing. The Samaritan was probably rewarded in ways we will never know. In serving others, we should be motivated to help for a multitude of reasons if for no other than as a means of “saying thank you’ for our many blessings. It is a way of giving back for all the many things we should be thankful for. Many cultures teach the more we give to others amplifies and increases the blessings that we receive. If each of us gives just a little to help others what a difference it would make. The world would become a better place and we would be much the better for doing so.

Challenge: What type of service do you provide to others? If you already do, you probably enjoy the experience and greatly benefit from it. If you do not, it is a good time to consider finding a worthy organization, someone or something that you can commit to serving. You will be doing something very wonderful for yourself in the process. You will grow and become more than you have been. Find something, start out small and grow into it.

Wisdom:  I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. Albert Schweitzer

Spiritual: (NIV)

Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Ecclesiastes 11:1

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18.

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. Proverbs 28:27

God is perfect love. It is because of his love for us that He paid the ultimate sacrifice in redeeming us from our sinful lives. God is a giving god. He cares and blesses us in countless ways. The Bible teaches we should do likewise; taking the time and putting forth the effort to love others by deeds and actions. We are promised that the more we have a giving and loving attitude, the more we will be blessed and rewarded. Where is our faith?

Prayer: Help me to be more conscious of giving my time and efforts to be more helpful to others.

Difficult Days

Days where troubles, hardships, trials, and tribulations make it difficult to think past the moment and to see better circumstances ahead

Nothing is worth more than this day.  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. Einstein

Difficult days are like playing a hand of poker, we must make the most of the cards we are dealt. Randall Burkhalter

Life provides us at least our fair share of difficult days. We must endure, persevere and at the very least, “live to fight another day”. It is naive to expect that difficult days will not come to pay us a personal visit.

We may receive advance notice that difficulties are on the way or they may show up unannounced. Occasionally, we may get to take preventive steps to avoid their full impact. Sometimes they are going to come no matter what we do and will hit us really hard. It is just as if warnings are sounded that tornados are on the way. Sometimes we cannot get out of way of sudden storms. Some difficulties are “backbreakers” and will bring us to our knees. Often difficult days may turn into difficult weeks, months and even years.

Difficult days need to be countered with resilience, perseverance, patience, and resoluteness. They will test us, sometimes to our very limits. Eventually, the storm clouds will dissipate and the sun will come out once more. We have lived to fight another day. There is no insurance policy protecting us against our share of difficult days. Life expects us to take them in stride, endure and learn; pick up the pieces and go on to make the most of all our future days to come. We should learn to minimize our down time. During stormy and difficult days, we often must seek protection and find safe shelter, minimize our activities and exposure, and wait for the storm to clear. When the storm clears, it is time to get busy, get out and going again.

It is of no value, to dwell in misery or self pity over the difficulties we have, or the uphill battles we must face. This kind of mind set and attitude only shackles us and prevents our moving on to the better days waiting for us. Difficulties will come; they have their time and then will go their way. We must be able to see through to the other side. Our life is made up of the physical and the mental. We cannot necessarily control the physical. However, we can control the mental; that which dwells inside of us. We should try to look for good in all things, learn from all of life’s experiences, take new steps forward, and be always thankful for our blessings. Move on.

Challenge:  Life is an endurance test. You will be tested, and must experience the bad and the good. You will have difficult days. They find you; knock you down and beat you up. You can wallow in misery or can get up and get going again. Develop your intestinal fortitude and fight back. “Take your licking and keep on ticking”. Be a survivor. Leave the past and the negatives behind. Make the most of the new opportunities that await you.

Wisdom: The strongest of all warriors are these two – Time and Patience.  Leo Tolstoy.

Spiritual: (NIV)

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  Psalm 12:1, 2

The Bible teaches that life comes with difficulties. God does promise that He will be there to help us through difficult times. We should have faith and trust that God does not allow anything to happen to us that that we are not capable of overcoming with his help. Men and women of faith throughout the centuries provide wonderful examples of how God’s strength can help us face any adversity that confronts us. He is there to watch over us.

Prayer:  Help me to be able to endure all that life throws at me. Help me to keep my eyes on You.

Learning Curves

The way and nature of how we learn; how fast we learn

Learning is an active process. We learn by doing. Only knowledge that is used sticks in your mind. Dale Carnegie

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. Einstein

If our learning curve does not always slant upward, we are not growing.  Randall Burkhalter

A learning curve is a useful concept. We all have one. Our learning curve tells much about us. Some have learning curves that are very steep. They seek knowledge and go after it. Others have learning curves that are more horizontal than vertical. If theirs was any flatter, they might expire. The adages that we are never too old to learn and should never let a day go by without learning tells us we need to keep on doing and learning.

If we do not continue learning, it is questionable how alive we really are. Zombies are fictional creatures that are animated corpses. They are not really living and breathing; only going through the motions. Life challenges us to be dynamic and involved. We must stay on top of our “game.” Life should be filled with activity and learning at all ages. Too many of us are more like zombies than someone who lives life with gusto, vim and vigor. We have to actively put effort into life to get the most from life.

The wisdom of the ages tells us over and over again, that we get out of live in direct proportion to what we put into it. “No pain, no gain,” “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,”  “It is better to attempt something great and fall short than attempt nothing and succeed.” There are many truisms advocating that life should be lived with effort and energy. Many of us have our throttles turned down too low. We miss too much of life’s great ongoing learning adventure. In many ways if we are not actively learning and seeking we are dying.

Learning curves portray the effort expended and the growth resulting from the effort. Children have tremendous learning curves. They hunger for life. If we were to get quarterly reports measuring our learning and growing, many of us would be disappointed. Laziness, complacency, fear, limiting beliefs, status quo and too much time in comfort zones do not foster upwardly climbing learning curves. We must want to learn.

If we were to mentally picture the learning curves of those who are succeeding, those who are active and dynamic, those who seem to be on top of life and getting the most from life; what would they look like? We are responsible and accountable for what we do or do not do with our lives. We must put something into the effort.

Challenge: You have heard that life is what you make it. You are the conductor of your own orchestra, the architect of your own cathedral, and the biographer of your own life’s epic journey. The effort and passion with which you perform your responsibility has everything to do with the end result. You get what you pay for. Life tries to live up to your expectations. It is up to you to have high enough expectations. Be proactive and learn.

Wisdom: Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can – there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.

Sarah Caldwell

Spiritual: (NIV)

To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Ecclesiastes 2:26

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

His God instructs him and teaches him the right way. Isaiah 28:26

We are here to experience this life fully. It should be a great adventure. We should be actively seeking, learning and growing. Many believe we are serving an apprenticeship for something greater in the next life. The Bible is full of teaching and parables about being good stewards, sowing good seeds, doing good things for others, and in making a difference. We are here for the purpose of allowing God to develop and grow us to use our potential.

Prayer: Help me to put myself into your hands. Mold me and make me into what You designed me to be.