Today's Bliss: Change & Growth

In today's paper, there is an interesting article about change. The main focus of the article is the statement "change is inevitable; growth is optional" (credit to Scarlett Leadership Institute). This quote is also hanging on my boss's wall at work, being that we inducted the founder of the Scarlett Leadership Institute into JA's Nashville Business Hall of Fame two years ago. Since this quote seems to be following me around, I took a moment today to consider its real meaning...and to decide if I was growing or just changing.

It is a relief to say that I really think I am growing. Some days I can see this more than others, but, looking backwards, I feel that I have grown a lot in the past 6 years. I picture myself just after college and then look at my life now: so so much has changed. I have been through a lot, seen a lot, experienced a lot, learned a lot, and grown a lot too. I am proud of the adult that I am. I am not at all a perfect version of myself, but I have made a good amount of progress in my post-college "real-world" years.

A quote that I have always loved is: "People don't change; they just find out who they are and be that person more." I think that this is a more accurate description of my journey. As things change and I grow, I learn more about myself...the good and the bad things...and try to focus on being the best person that I can be.

God has made us in His image. He has made us just as He wants us to be. Some people take the time to look inside, discovering the deeper parts of their heart and soul that God has developed there. Other people never even really know themselves. I think that change, growth, and identity are all linked to this concept. I hope that this process continues to bring positive things to my life as I move forward. I am sure that tomorrow will bring more change, more chances to grow, and a fresh chance to live my life as the best person that God wants me to be. And that is bliss.

If you'd like to read The Tennessean article in full, you can do so by clicking here.

Today's Bliss: Messes

My mother, J, forwarded me a daily devotional email today that I really liked: 

I find my best art work has come from creative solving of accidents: running short on a supplies forces me toward a refreshing innovation;  rain splashing on my canvas leads to a new vision for the scene. It is through the unexpected, the unplanned, even the disappointing events that I am opened to a greater level of awareness, care, and creativity. What a blessing, then, if my own failures and shortcomings allow the Divine to work a beauty that was before not even imaginable! -Bronwen Henry  

What a great reminder that life's imperfections, challenges, and surprises can lead to inspiration, positive occurrences, and blessings. Every single day something does not go as planned in my life. Many times I am frustrated when this happens, but almost every time, I can see that things turned out for the best...different maybe, but better than they would if I had planned them. I see that the best-made plans sometimes are not God's plans for me and I am thankful that He is in control and I am not.
 

Tomorrow, look at the messes that you may have throughout your day. Where do you see a pile of shambles awaiting your wiling hands to rebuild them into something beautiful? What plans change from a simple item on your "to do list" to something more substantial, something that can bless you and others in your life?