Be reasonable

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals; 
adjust the action steps. –Confucius

During Lent, many of us choose to add discipline to our lives for this forty-day sojourn, whether by giving up a habit or crutch, or by adding an activity or practice. The purpose is essentially the same: to take this as an opportunity for self-examination/ self-improvement, or as a chance to repent, to turn my life around.

We set our lofty goals. We decide to fast, 100%, from TV or social media. We give up added sugars. We set aside an hour a day and embark on reading straight through the New Testament by Easter.

And now, here we are in the second full week of Lent, and perhaps we realize: we bit off more than we can chew. The Bible lays unopened on the nightstand; that box of Valentine chocolates proves too much to resist. (Simply admitting this means your journey into self-examination is well underway.)

Now what do we do? Might as well throw in the towel, right? No. You are better than that. You are stardust.

Like most children, we dream big. And like a good parent, God loves us for our dreams and visions. Thomas Merton nailed it when he prayed, “The fact that I think I am following your will does not, in fact, mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does, in fact please you.”

Look within your heart again. Are your motives and desires God-pleasing? Take a deep breath—and start again. (And put those chocolates in the freezer!)

Monday Find an opportunity to do an extra kindness for someone you do not know—just because. (If you can do this anonymously—bonus!) Thank God for the gifts he has given you; ask God to reveal even more opportunities to use them. Colossians 3:15-17

Tuesday Today, be very deliberate in letting something go. Whatever you choose, during your prayer time, hand it over to God. (No take-backs.) Isaiah 7:10-14

Wednesday Meditate on these words: “This is my child, whom I love. In him [or in her] I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

Thursday Pray for teachers and others who shape the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Consider writing a note. It might be a life-changer. Isaiah 11:6

Friday Begin this day by investing thirty minutes (or more) in reading Scripture or a devotional passage. Really sit with it. Pray—and rest. Matthew 6:19-21

Saturday As you focus today on yourself, reflect on the promises of the Almighty and how they are made manifest in your life. Praise God—and rest in God’s love. John 3:16-17

Sunday Gratitude is an emotion best shared with another. Tell someone what you are grateful for, and praise God for his generosity. Isaiah 30:18


Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. –Jim Rohn

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