The Life You Want

Before you read further, think about the life you want. How is it different from the one you have?

Now you may be expecting me to suggest a path forward that involves setting goals and giving your whole-hearted effort toward obtaining that life that you really want. If you’re expecting that, then you’re going to be disappointed. The good news is that there are hundreds or thousands of books, programs, coaches, preachers, apps, and neighbors that will be excited to help you.

Instead, let me suggest something different. Perhaps the most overlooked step in the process of growth or progress is the first one; acceptance. Acceptance allows us to either live with things we can’t change, or position ourselves appropriately to change those things that we can. Some people try unsuccessfully for change and never make it, not because the goal or process was wrong, but because they never really knew where their starting point was. Accepting things (myself, my circumstances, other people) as they are is a prerequisite to peace, whether I find it through change or without change.

Quit waiting for the life you want, and start living the one you have.

Don’t be overly concerned about what others think, remember, if other people have a problem with your life as it is, that is their problem. You are not responsible to make everyone else happy with you and your life. Making other people happy, or impressing them is never a real way to find life; there is only one way to do that. Trust Jesus. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). God planned you from the beginning and made you just the way you are (Psalm 139: 13-16). He even prepared the things for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). He loves you even though He knows every dark thought you’ve had and every bad deed you’ve ever done. Through Jesus you can have forgiveness, and peace with God. He is never surprised by the circumstances of your life, nor is He ever intimidated by them. His Grace is always sufficient, and His mercies are new every morning.

Dear God, thank you for making me, for knowing me, and for loving me. Please forgive my sin and cleanse my heart through Jesus’ sacrifice for me. Please give me the grace power to live a life of freedom, peace, and joy whether or not the changes I want ever come. I love you Lord, and thank you in Jesus’ name.