Backing Up the Bus While Moving Forward ... Rolly A. Chabot
Welcome
Good morning to all from sunny Alberta, great looking day and the grass needs cutting. I have parked the mower at the front door so if anyone feels the need... well I would be obliged to pass along an extra cookie... with a heart of gratitude of course.
Let's sit back a little this morning and think of the words, "If I could do things differently I would.... ?
Gather around and sit a spell and reflect on how that may have changed your life... more importantly would have changed who you are today. Welcome, make yourself at home and know that you are dearly loved... hugs included of course.
Change is Good
Caught Up
Have you ever been caught up in a lifestyle or a situation that change is a must, where you are so very uncertain where it will lead you feel like this guy in the picture running out of options. I think most of us have at one point or time in our lives. Each of us I would say have had varying degrees of situations that have cost us something.
Change can be brought on for many reasons, financial, emotional, addictions, relational... and the list goes on and on. We second guess ourselves all the time. Our lives are what has moulded us into who we are and what we have become. Then comes the question... "Did I do the right thing at the time, could I have done things differently?
If you had, would it have changed the course of your life or where you are today. I read an interesting quote the other day for us all to ponder. "If you allow the past to become your present, then you have already determined your future." A powerful concept is it not.
Life's Maze
Finding the Way
At times life can be complicated, so many rabbit trails look better than the one we are on. We can look back and question ourselves of the what if's and yet would we be where we are today if we had followed them.
My life has been filled with change, there have been as many downfalls as I care to keep a score card on. Some have been very nasty, others bearable, some downright embarrassing and yet there has always been tomorrow. We are a people who are strong and resilient if we choose to be. The human body, mind and emotions are powerful drivers.
Years back I would have to wait for the Visa bill to come to find out where I had been while I was lost in addictions. Would I change those days, certainly as they were completely lost. Would finding them again change me, yes I suppose it would. Do I regret some of those days, I sure do and yet the blessing that comes now is knowing I awoke this morning still in one piece. I am healthy and alive, which came into question many times after the things I have done, let alone the wrecks I have left in my wake.
If there is something good that has come from all the wrong paths I have taken I have gained some wisdom along the way and know I will never go down that road again. Nothing and or no one could make me do what I inhaled, swallowed or injected. Nothing would be gained and all would be lost if that happened. The addict of any kind can and will tell you the same. Whatever the addiction it may start small and become a horrible habit faster than you realize. It ran my life 38 years ago, today my life is run by something far different and love the fact I can love openly on honestly with each person I met.
Sunset
Change
Real change begins in the heart and generally takes place after we have had a life altering occurrence. How we change rest entirely in our own hands. Choose to be bitter and resentful and it is the way you will live. Choose to be positive and look at the future with hope and caring for those you love, you will be much happier. Accepting the love of others with open arms and you are blessed indeed.
I so love being around people who have a good attitude and face circumstances as they come in the same manner. If we choose to live under another persons anger, well we just never really get to live to the fullest do we. Unhealthy relationships can and will change who are really called to be. Step clear of them and simply love from a distance, in time hopefully they realize their anger is holding back their full potential.
Change is hard, sometimes it seems unbearable, yet after we begin to accept it and live it the obstacle grows smaller and becomes a distant memory. Once cleared from our hearts and minds we become better people.
As a Pastor I have had opportunity to talk to families during and after the passing of a loved one. They have shared painful regrets they never forgave the deceased or the deceased has passed and left issues unresolved. Truly heartbreaking stories that can cause great pain to the survivors for years to come, they end up living on quilt and shame. Is it that important to withhold love over some silly squabble.
I often look back, sometimes I can wave the flag of victory and today I can say openly and honestly. "The road I have travelled in the past has brought me to the place I have come today." I am so grateful for all those who invested into me over the many years. The debt can never be repaid to them but I certainly can invest in others...
© Rolly A, Chabot 2014