Reflection
A few days ago, I was in the presence of an up-and-coming leader. The young man was only twenty-nine years old, but I could tell he was blessed well beyond his years with leadership skills.
Most of you know that I get pretty jacked up when I’m in the presence of other leaders.
I’ve been a lifelong learner in leadership and am pretty grateful that one of the things I get to do as a semi-retiree is teaching leadership classes to those aspiring to lead, grow, and become more as leaders.
When I quizzed the aforementioned young leader about his core values, without hesitation, he immediately said: Grit, Grace, and Gratitude.
First off, I was amazed that he had such clarity about his core values.
So what does all of this have to do with our Lenten focus of peace?
Fact
Those who know who they are and what they stand for are much less prone to be distracted.
The devil resides in our distractions.
Know distraction
No peace
No distraction
Know peace
Break it down…
Grit–people with grit have a strong character and the ability to persevere through the storms of life without compromising. My definition of character is “The ability to handle the demands of reality without bending or breaking.”
Grace--people living in grace tend to extend blessings and forgiveness to those who may appear unworthy. If you are Christ-follower, you know all about grace–Thank Jesus for Calvary!
Gratitude–people living in gratitude live in a state of perpetual thankfulness and are conscious and care about those who are less fortunate. Gratitude and anxiety can’t coexist. 1 Thessalonians 5:8, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
In Summary
It is difficult not to have peace in your heart if you approach life with grit, grace, and gratitude.
But, I would take it one step further–it is impossible not to have peace in your heart if you approach life with grit, grace, gratitude, and God as your guide.
What are your core values that guide your behavior through the ebbs and flows of life?
Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Journal your thoughts:
What am I grateful for today?
In what way(s) will I bring light to the world today?
What will I deny myself so I may draw closer to God and gain more peace in my life today?
Prayer:
God, I offer myself to Thee—To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always! Amen. (Third Step Prayer – Chapter 5, pg.63, The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous)
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
