My Thoughts for The Year 2017, inspired by When God sends someone to help you by Bob Gass

Happy New Year.

For a new year to bring you something new, you will need to make a move, like a butterfly tearing its cocoon! Make a move.

The greatest indictment against not knowing is not learning.  If you look at it the right way every experience in life is a school, and every new acquaintance is a teacher. So, seize every opportunity this year to learn.  Just make sure you pick the right teachers: those who have earned the right to come alongside, and when appropriate ask you the hard questions, bring perspective, and keep you on track.

Solomon said, ‘Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.  To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring’. Therefore, when God sends someone to help you, I suggest you do the following:-

1. Show your appreciation

Never take the helper for granted and never forget to say thank you.  An attitude of ‘I don’t expect appreciation so I don’t give it’ will hurt you and close doors to your future.

2. Pull your weight

Don’t be self-serving and opportunistic.  Look for ways to make your presence an asset, not a liability. Life owes you nothing except an opportunity to grow, so stop feeling hurt, sorry or entitled to growth and favors.

3. Understand the boundaries

Other people may know someone well enough to address them by their first name, but that doesn’t mean you should - especially not a potential mentor. If someone says, ‘Hello, my name is Charles,’ don’t come back with, ‘What’s up, Charlie!’. Show respect, and don’t try to change the protocol to suit the environment you are used to.

4. Observe boundaries

Respect others, listen, and you will always have people willing to help you get where you need to go.

Finally, please note that most of the time, the people sent to help you on in life, would not come looking nice, inviting and helpful. You are likely to detest or even hate them, because they often would place a lot of demand on your time, emotions and energy. That is usually God’s process to get the gold that you are, out of the mud that you’ve been reveling in.

  

I am convinced that this would also be your best year ever.