It is only a decision away.

In many a business conference we attended over the years, I would hear a statement expressed to attendees that we were only a decision away from the success or goals we pursued.  The indication was that the decision we needed to make was to push aside the distractions and extra-curricular activities that pervaded our lives and take the actions needed to progress towards the attainment of achieving our goals.

That idea always sounded good as it seemed to position us so much closer to our dreams and visions than we originally perceived.  As we truly grasped what those activities and distractions were it caused us to consider the sacrifices.  It meant changing habits and priorities.  It meant moving out of our comfort zone.  We started to think about how important those goals were and were they worth the sacrifices.  We started truly evaluating our “why.”  Why did we want the vision we had in our minds for the future?  Why were they important to us? The “why” was the real motivator and it caused us to reassess were we really doing okay right now?  Could we, or would we do more?  Another statement that was said that also resonated to us was, “if we want changes for our future than we have to make some changes in our present.”

As I received ashes on my forehead this Ash Wednesday some of those same thoughts went through my mind.  Am I doing enough?  Can I do more?  Should I do more?  Am I changing enough to see the positive change I desire come to fruition?  One key difference is that I really do want to achieve the vision and future that God has for me.

Jesus told St. Faustina that there were souls depending on her and she would be held accountable for the souls He expected her to influence.  I ask myself how many souls does He have on my list?  It is easy to expect He would want us to bring our family and close friends, right?  Is the circle He has drawn around us larger?  Is it possible the list could include people we do not know or have not met?

This Lent, as our pastor told us, is a time of a new beginning.  As we contemplate Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, we can truly appreciate that He has given us every new day as a new start towards His vision for our lives.

I know I have to start by dedicating more time to Him in conversation and even more so, listening and in actions.  I have to change some habits and priorities.  Most of all, I need to re-examine my “why.”

I read a prayer that clarified,

Life is but a stopping place,

A pause in what’s to be,

A resting place along the road

To sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys,

Different paths a

long the way,

We all were meant to learn

Some things,

But never meant to stay.

Our destination is a place

Far greater than we know,

For some, the journey quicker,

For some the journey’s slow.

And when the journey finally ends,

We’ll claim a great reward,

And find an everlasting peace,

Together with the Lord.

(Anonymous)

It is only a decision away!  So, Shine like the Son!