How’s It Goin’? – See.  Perceive. Act.

It’s been a year, former procrastinators.  I’ve been noticing how our theme has affected my thinking and behavior these last months.  I wonder if you’ve been noticeably affected.

• Ask to clarify.  My perceptions are sometimes “off.”  That leads to wrong conclusions. If I ask for clarification, I can come to a more accurate conclusion.
  
  Over Thanksgiving our daughter-in-law said she missed our traditional cranberry salad.  Oops. I’d let that go, assuming nobody else was interested.  For better understanding, I could’ve asked. It will be at Christmas dinner.
  
  
• I have a perception that I need to keep things that I could possibly declutter. My husband gave me cookbooks from places we lived overseas.  I used to enjoy them on the shelf; however, I don’t use them.  I don’t want to hurt my husband’s feelings. My perception has been that I’d offend him.  I don’t actually know if that’s true.  I need to ask.  Do you assume somebody would be bothered if you cleaned out or gave away some things?  Maybe somebody else would appreciate clearance from you for cleaning something out themselves.  We can clarify our perceptions and act appropriately in many areas.
  
  
• Although I’m usually ready on time to leave the house, I’ve been cutting it too close. I’m correcting faulty perceptions about margin.  You know… “Do what it takes to get out the door.  After that, maybe more.”
  
  
• In the evenings I see us watching TV when we could talk, read, play a game, listen to educational productions, work on a project.  I perceive my desire to avoid exercising brain cells at night. That’s sometimes okay, sometimes lazy.  Only a little effort would result in something more worthwhile.  I need to suggest specific alternatives a couple of times a week and do them.
  
  
• I cannot make other people’s decisions   What CAN I do?  I perceive I can pray (during which time the Spirit may change me).   I can be prepared to share my thoughts.  When the Holy Spirit opens the door, I can speak.  I need to be ready more often.
  
  
• I see our precious grandchildren and perceive what a privilege it is to be with them. I perceive the need to reinforce scripture truth they’re learning even in our fun times.
  
  
• The person standing alone at church catches my attention more often so I can go to her.
  
  
• I see myself in need of “friend time” and perceive that I must initiate the effort to meet with other women.  Make a simple plan.
  
  
• The need for forgiveness is ongoing though offenses may vary.  I perceive the need to forgive repeatedly and to keep short accounts by going quickly to those I’ve offended.
  
  
• The need for repentance is continual.  Lord, help me perceive as you do the habits, words, thoughts I need to turn from.  Thank you for giving desire and energy to change.

What have you seen, perceived, and acted on this year?

Beth

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