I celebrated a birthday a few weeks ago and I as I sit here today, one year older, I have an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I have been on an exercise regimen for a few months and as I was finishing the last side lunges this morning, I was thankful that I could move my limbs and that I could get on and off the floor with no trouble. Though I was breathing a little hard, I was breathing. Each deep breath brought on a sense of accomplishment and then clarity.
I am clearer now than I have ever before. I know who I am, what I want and more importantly, what I don’t want. I recognize that much of this clarity comes with age. However, when I was in my “know it all 20’s” I thought I had clarity. By the time I was in my 30’s, I knew that I was confused, sometimes easily swayed and trying too hard to please others. In my 40’s the fog began to lift, and I found my voice, but it was still trembling when challenged. Now, in my 50’s, clarity above all else is what I seek.
The Bible verse, Matthew 7:7 states: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
In my younger years, I understood this verse and asked for “things” – a house, a car, a good job, etc. I also asked for more intangible desirables, like good health and a sound mind. I was correct in both of my “asks.” But now, I seek clarity in all that God has purposed for me to do and to have.
When you have clarity, your internal compass points directly to your destiny. When you ask, your request is precise and specific. When you seek, you find exactly what is intended for you.
I used to think that it was selfish of me to ask for things for myself, so my prayers were mostly for my family and friends, and then for myself. Now, I speak with focus and intention for myself first. I follow the instructions of airline attendants and put my mask on first before I help others. I must admit, it took a long time for me to get this concept because it felt so selfish and cold. But, I can tell you that since I began putting my mask on first, I have been able to help more people than when I tried to take care of them before caring for myself.
This mindset is the kind of clarity that I’m talking about. Seek clarity above all else and the path to your destiny will be as clear as day.
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