December 2022
Reflection
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Reflection
Well folks, we have found ourselves at the end of another year. 2022, no doubt, brought another bundle of challenges our way. Some of us are feeling good as we close out the year, while others are still battling daily to stay encouraged and focused on what lies ahead. Many of us would love to pick up a magic eraser and remove some of the more painful and difficult times we experienced over the last twelve months. However, it is important to be reminded that while we can’t change the past, we can certainly impact our future. Using the challenges of the past to create motivation for the future is key to starting off the new year with the right mindset.
Winston Churchill once said, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” I think Mr. Churchill understood the value gained from past experiences and the benefit of applying the lessons learned to our future. Of course, the danger in reflection is that we can continue to bear the negative emotions and thoughts that can keep us discouraged. Psalms 77: 11-12 says, “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. Psalms 103:2 says, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalms 143:5 says, “I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. These are just three of many passages that encourage us to reflect but to focus on all the good things God has done. There is a reason this concept is found so frequently in the Bible. It is the perfect recipe for learning from the past while setting ourselves up for future success.
I recently heard a story told by Dr. Tony Evans. When Dr. Tony’s son was eleven years old, he was insistent that his dad go to the gymnasium and watch him dunk a basketball. Dr. Evans was confused because his son was only eleven years old and did not have the stature, at the time, to dunk a basketball. Despite his unbelief, Dr. Evans went to the gymnasium to watch his son. Sure enough, his son dunked the ball. However, it was immediately obvious that his son had convinced the custodian to lower the hoop from ten feet to six. While amused, Dr. Evans didn’t let the opportunity pass without sharing some wisdom. This is what he told his son, “I see what you did, but the goal is not to lower the standard, but for you to grow up and meet the standard.” The obstacles and difficulties we experienced in 2022 can easily provoke us to lower our expectations for 2023. We must not allow the bad experiences, or even the current limitations, to impede our goals for the coming year.
As we enter December, don’t forget to reflect on the greatest gift ever given, the birth of Jesus. This gift forever changes our future opportunity and should be the foundation of our joy and motivation in the new year.
Challenge: Continue to grow, focus on the blessings around you and go after this next year with no reservations.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Published: December 1, 2022
