Bouncing Back….Again
I am posting my blog later than usual. It has been a big day for me. I had an early morning appointment with a dermatologist who looked at my eyebrow mole and actually found a couple of other suspicious spots on my arms. So I left with some bandages from the biopsies that were taken.
With my doctor’s appointment and the need for some rest, I got out of town for a trip to Lakewood later than anticipated. After retracing my steps from Friday in visiting friends and family, I left Denver hoping to miss most of the rush hour traffic. The trip home went better than expected, but still later than what I anticipated in making my original plans.
I will hear back in about a week regarding the biopsy results. Until then, I will continue with some of my appointments and projects while Debbie helps me attend to some “wounds.”
BIBLE VERSE TODAY… “But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight…” Luke 15:17,18
Getting knocked down in life is often through circumstances or the actions of others. It can also be due to our own poor choices. Such was the case with the “prodigal son.” But he was not content to settle for his “pig pen” existence and resolved to go back to his father. As he did, he found his father anticipating, not angry over his arrival. He found celebration, not consternation. He found dignity instead of a diminished status. He was able to “bounce back” from his failure.
Yesterday, I shared some “Expert Tips for Resilience” from the June 1, 2015 edition of Time magazine. Continuing the list, experts recommend….
6. Be quick to each out for support when things go haywire.
I applaud my wife for doing this when my health crisis hit. She realized what her priorities needed to be and was willing to receive help from family and friends so she could focus on my care and still have all the details of family life taken care of.
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 says, “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. 10 If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him.” We need friends. We need to be gracious receivers when life hits a road block. The Lord works through others to demonstrate His love and care for our lives and to help us bounce back.
We see this in the life of Paul, who said, “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus…” (2 Corinthians 7:6)
7. Learn new things as often as you can.
I like the concept and commitment of being a “lifelong learner.” Remember, “it is what you learn after you know it all can change your life.” Solomon wrote “Choose my instruction instead of silver; choose knowledge rather than the finest gold.” (Proverbs 8:10) He also observed, “Intelligent people are always eager and ready to learn.” (Proverbs 18:15)
8. Find an exercise regimen you’ll stick to.
The “stick to” part of this advice can be the most challenging. Meaningful and consistent physical activity has tremendous benefits for our mental and emotional health. Scripture tells us “our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:19) It reminds us of the benefit of “bodily exercise…” (1 Timothy 4:8) We also see the warnings about laziness in such verses as, “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,” Then your poverty will come as a robber….” (Proverbs 24:33,34)
9. Don’t beat yourself up or dwell on the past.
What encouraging words we find in Paul’s life when he says, “…one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead…” (Philippians 3:13) I like the admonition of Isaiah 43:18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Don’t let regret or worry stymie your life. Live each day as a gift from the Lord.
10. Recognize what makes you uniquely strong – and own it.
Our relationship with Christ enables us to know that we are unique, gifted and valued in God’s eyes. “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:5) 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, “The Spirit’s presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.”
An individual’s gifts, abilities and motivations are unique. Each person has something to offer in service to the Lord and in service to others. It is important to recognize and affirm your uniqueness. Remember Paul’s’ words, “All of you are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Allow your ability to “bounce back” to be strengthened through your faith in the Lord. I trust there are some other verses from the Bible that have come to your mind as you have considered these “Experts Tips for Resilience.” I am thankful that the Lord, who has made us, not only knows what we need to be over-comers, but He also through His Word shows us the way.