A few weeks ago during an advent sermon at 519 church our pastor, Owen Barrow, talked about the problem when we live our lives with the ever present thought, "If only...., then I would be happy". "If only I could buy that other house." "If only my kids would sleep through the night." "If only I made more money." This if statement leads to fleeting happiness when it comes true, or desperation if it never does.
Just a few days before I had read a blog post by Donald Miller on the Most Powerful Question, "What if?". And the most amazing thing about this post were the comments. The dreams that people had that were more about loving others and improving lives, than any kind of 'if only' dream for happiness.
Over the past two years, I have picked a word or phrase at the start of the year that I hope will focus me towards loving well. Two years ago, I picked Be Still in hopes to become more present to the moment, the only place where I will find God and the Spirit. Last year my word was Ubuntu, an African Philosophy celebrating how we are all connected. As I reflect over this last year, the words were both guiding principles to me.
For 2014, I am asking myself the question, "What if?"
These are not 'if only' questions as I know my Joy doesn't depend on them, but 'what if' we all tried to make the world a little better each day by loving those around us and ourselves?
Got a 'what if' question, or a word for 2014? I would love to hear them.
Just a few days before I had read a blog post by Donald Miller on the Most Powerful Question, "What if?". And the most amazing thing about this post were the comments. The dreams that people had that were more about loving others and improving lives, than any kind of 'if only' dream for happiness.
Over the past two years, I have picked a word or phrase at the start of the year that I hope will focus me towards loving well. Two years ago, I picked Be Still in hopes to become more present to the moment, the only place where I will find God and the Spirit. Last year my word was Ubuntu, an African Philosophy celebrating how we are all connected. As I reflect over this last year, the words were both guiding principles to me.
For 2014, I am asking myself the question, "What if?"
"What if I yelled at the kids less?"
"What if we take that next step as a family?"
"What if I ran a 5K?"
"What if I did some form of quiet time and/or yoga everyday?"
"What if I spent less to give more?"
"What if I am grateful especially in the mundane?"
"What if I wrote a little bit of something from my heart everyday, even if just a kind note to family or friends?"
"What if I sought beauty in others before judging?"
These are not 'if only' questions as I know my Joy doesn't depend on them, but 'what if' we all tried to make the world a little better each day by loving those around us and ourselves?
Got a 'what if' question, or a word for 2014? I would love to hear them.
What if I didn't try to fit into the wrong crowd/moment?
ReplyDeleteWhat if I cared less about other's opinions of me?
Oh, the fitting in thing is so tough for me too. Just learned that the NC state motto is "To be, rather than to seem." Trying to incorporate that as a personal motto too!
DeleteWhat if I thought I had "enough" money and could give more?
ReplyDeleteI once wrote about giving with a 'clinched fist'. I agree, if I would recognize that I had enough, in fact an abundance, I would give more freely.
DeleteThanks Hannah for this post. The questions I keep sitting with are:
ReplyDeleteWhat if I didn't take things personally? What if I didn't make assumptions of others? The moments I have done that have helped me be free of judgement of myself and others. Love, Sam
I've been asking myself that same exact question. More of judging others than myself, but I think I need to be asking the same. As the color blue reminds me of the calming and peaceful nature of the ocean, my new mantra for when I feel myself judging others is "find their blue." Need to start saying it when I am judging myself as well.
Delete