As I stated last week, I am dedicating this month to getting ourselves in order before we face the upcoming year. For some of you, this year has brought about some bad memories, experiences, and situations that don’t need to continue into 2010. Before we move into Christmas next week, let us take a moment to look at what I call the four R’s: Reflection, Redemption, Restoration and Rejuvenation.
Most of us have heard these words at some point in our life. If you attend a regular worship service, then you most definitely have heard these coming from the pulpit on an occasion or two. I think Michael Jackson said it best, let us start with the Man In The Mirror.
So you have deleted the so-called friends, touched base with those closest to you, you cleaned your house last week, and this week we are going to work on ourselves. Hopefully, this will take us into the Christmas holiday with a renewed spirit and mindset as we prepare for 2010.
Here are just a few explanations of the four R’s:
REFLECTION: Take a moment to ponder and meditate on you. It may even require you to physically take a mirror and look at yourself. Do you like what you see? I am not talking about your physical appearance either, although some of us can afford some changes there as well, but that is for another day. If we don’t have a decent inside, our outside is always going to be “jacked up.” Reflect on your treatment of others; your attitude towards people, places and things; and look at your overall disposition. What changes can you make? Who have you mistreated and why? Think about those things that made you angry, sad, happy, or elated. What things can you do without and what things do you need to increase about your personality? I think we have to sometimes look at ourselves first before we can move on to fixing the other things that are wrong.
REDEMPTION: So now that we have looked at ourselves and we see some things that we can make right. Maybe it is the lady in the grocery store you cussed out for being too slow, then go and apologize. Maybe you don’t like your attitude to your fellow man, tell ten people “Good Morning” and watch how fast things change. Those loved ones that you have not spoken to in years or those that you have hurt, call them up and say “I’m Sorry.” I know it is easier said then done. Even if they don’t accept it, at least you have redeemed yourself to move forward. Your only responsibility is to make good what you have made bad.
RESTORATION: The healing has taken place and now it is time for you to move forward and restore yourself. This does not require you visiting the past, but it may be necessary to mend some broken relationships, both physically and spiritually, if you know what I mean. Take this time to reconnect with He that is most high and get back those things that are rightfully yours. I am not talking about material things either, so be careful because when you get the joy back in your life and the blessings start flowing, and those material things may resurface. Don’t you feel better already?
REJUVENATION: Now it is time to refresh and get your “swag” back. The past is the past and the wrongs have been righted. Move on into 2010 with a renewed sense of self, favor, and joy!
Just think of how things would be so much better if we try a few of these self-reflecting tools. Until next week, I will be practicing my four R’s!
