September Renewal and New Skin

Reflection

The opening quote hit home with me.

When Lori and I married almost thirty-nine years ago, we both had dreams and exciting visions and plans for our future together.

Basking in these “skins” lasted just over three years.

Our lives changed forever when the Good Lord decided to join us on our journey through the form of our “special guy,” Jordan.

I’ve told this story before, but it is worth telling again for my newer EagleLaunch prescribers.

When Jordan was born, Lori laid down her life.

She laid down her dreams.

She immediately stepped out of her old skin to live a new life that was waiting on her; a life in which the needs of Jordan would impact every thought and move we made into our future.

Me…

Not so much.

For the first year and a half of Jordan’s existence, I ran away.

My addiction problems took me to my knees.

I was unwilling to shed my old skin.

I wanted to live life on my terms.

Then I had no choice.

Shed the old way/skin or die.

Luckily I shed it, and the new life and “skin” that was waiting on me, although it wasn’t easy, ended up making me into a much better human being.

Years ago, I was reading the following scripture from Matthew 25:

^34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ^35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ^36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

^37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ^38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ^39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

^40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

When we care for “the least of these,” we are caring for God.

Jordan is one of “the least of these.”

What an honor.

What new life is waiting on you?

What skin do you need to shed?

Have you asked God?

P.E.A.C.E.

Jay@EagleLaunch.com

Plan – A dream/goal remains a dream until it is put into writing. Putting your dream or goal in writing is the first step in creating a PLAN to achieve it. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Effort – Turning your dream/goal into reality requires a commitment to putting forth consistent and focused EFFORT toward the execution of your plan. Nothing great in life happens without working hard.

Attitude – Your chances of achieving your dream are exponentially increased if you believe you will achieve it. Always remember that your ATTITUDE determines your altitude in life.

Community – Nothing great in life happens by doing it alone. The chances of achieving your dream expand as your COMMUNITY of positive mentors and coaches expand. You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with…and yes, spending time with “people” through books and instructional videos factors into your average.

Energy – Chasing and achieving your dream requires optimal levels of mental, physical, and spiritual ENERGY. Put your dream in God’s hands and nurture your mental and physical being.