Donna Burke, Author at 1Africa

Appreciating what you have, while you have it

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June 7, 2016

Appreciating what you have, while you have it

It’s one of those sayings that should probably appear on the list of “things your grandmother used to say” but the old adage you don’t know what you have till it’s gone – while admittedly being a little clichéd – still proves true time and again. Very often the value of a possession or even a relationship is easily overlooked or taken as a given, until it’s no longer available.

Now you see me, now you don’t

In 1911, arguably the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, was stolen from its home in the Louvre museum in Paris, France. For two years it remained lost to the world until it was uncovered when the thief tried to sell it to a gallery in Italy. At the time, this iconic work of art was not as well known as it is today, but the robbery caused public awareness of the painting to grow to such a point that more people went to visit the Louvre to view the empty space where the painting hung, than had visited in the previous number of years before the theft. It’s so funny that a missing, “not there” Mona Lisa was more of a draw than the actual, “there” Mona Lisa. It would seem that the art loving public were more interested in seeing the masterpiece when they weren’t able to, than when it was available and within reach.

Don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone

Being grateful and appreciating the things that you have is one of the easiest way to add benefit and joy to your life, yet very often it’s the things that we have that are most valuable that we forget to appreciate until they are gone. Regardless of how much you own or possess, here are a few things you can remember to appreciate in your life:

Your health: It’s easy to forget how precious your health is until you’re in pain or unwell, but being healthy and strong is incredibly valuable and needs to be appreciated. Illness can be a heavy burden.

Your family and friends: Many people go through life lonely and feeling unloved. If you have people around you who care about you and support you, even if at times they get things wrong, appreciate the blessing of those relationships. Your life is richer because of them.

Your freedom: If you live in a place where you have the ability to choose for yourself, express your opinions, and practice your faith or political affiliations without fear, you are in a privileged position. Your freedom is precious – just imagine life without it.

It’s a sad place to be when you’ve lost something that you’ve taken for granted and not valued while you had the chance. The Bible reminds us to cherish the good, and make use of rest, with these words:

On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days
So that we won’t take anything for granted.

Whose advice should you take?

Donna Burke

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June 2, 2016

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One of the most vital things any parent can have is information. Babies, while being wonderful and priceless, have one major flaw: They arrive without any instructions. This shortfall can cause serious problems for newbie parents who are not only trying to figure out what on earth to do with their child but are doing it sleep deprived and most likely slightly shell-shocked. Being totally responsible for the life of another human being is a big deal! It’s a little scary and overwhelming and no matter how much you plan ahead and try to prepare, there’s a good chance that something unexpected will sneak up on you and take you by surprise.

The truth is out there

Fortunately we live in an era where information on pretty much any topic is freely and widely available. At a click of a button you can find out how to bath a newborn, how long a six-month-old should sleep during the day, and what to do when your four-year-old sticks a piece of lego up their nose. It’s all there, on the internet, just waiting for a desperate parent who needs to know how to navigate all manner of tricky situations. It’s fantastic! Or is it?

Take it or leave it

Advice and information are great but it’s not always easy to know what or who to listen to. One expert will advise letting your baby cry themself to sleep; another will tell you this will scar them emotionally for life. For every study that tells you baby formula will lead to obesity later in life there is another that says it makes no odds as long as you love your child. There is conflicting advice on everything from sleeping, feeding, discipline, television, playtime, medication, vaccinations, and the list goes on and on. So who do you listen to? And how do you navigate all the advice without completely losing your sanity?

1. Relax: Parenting isn’t a sprint race – it’s a marathon. You don’t need to have everything figured out immediately and if something isn’t working you can switch your approach and do it better the(n) next time. No parenting journey is perfect so give yourself permission to learn as you go and a few mistakes along the way doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

2. Follow your gut: No one knows your child like you do. Yes there are experts who have studied for years in their field and know all the theory there is to know but they aren’t with you at 3 am and the only thing that will get your child to go back to sleep is being held. You will know when your child is ready and able to cope with changes or in need of something, so follow your instincts.

3. Go with what works: If something works for you and your family it’s more important that you are functioning and happy than that you are doing everything according to the experts. If your children are healthy, happy, and progressing as they should, you’re doing something right!

4. Have fun: If you are worried that you’re getting it all wrong, rest assured that you aren’t alone. Even the best parents feel like they haven’t got a clue at times and that’s part of what makes them great parents. The fact is, if you’re worried it means you care, a lot! Don’t let the worry steal the joy of the moment. Childhood passes very quickly and the best bits can get lost in the pursuit of “getting it right”. Don’t forget to let go of the “job” aspect of parenting and have a bit of fun.

Knowing who and what to listen to can be as challenging as any other part of the parenting journey. We all need a bit of help from time to time and if you know where to look, you can find the answers you need. The Bible tells us:

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.

You were never meant to do this alone

Donna Burke

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May 31, 2016

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Independence can be wonderful. Branching out on your own. Blazing your trail. Setting your own pace, calling all the shots, and being totally self-sufficient. It’s exhilarating to strike out on your own! Talk about an adventure. However, as great as being a lone wolf can be, sometimes it’s wiser and more beneficial to be part of a pack. Alone isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.

A number of years ago, author Milton Olson wrote an article about lessons that we can learn about working as part of a team, by watching geese. He made a number of observations on how, when flying as a ‘V’ formation, geese act in a way that makes the task easier for the whole unit. These are the lessons that Olson learnt:

As a goose flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” for the following birds. The “V” formation that geese use means that a flock can fly 71% further as a group than if each bird flew alone. A common sense of direction and community can mean that a group of like-minded people can go further and achieve more by using the enthusiasm and forward momentum of the group to spur them on.

If a goose gets out of formation, it quickly falls victim to the drag and resistance of flying solo. As soon as it gets back in position, the goose is able to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. It’s common sense really but staying in step with those going the same direction that we are, is obviously going to be have benefits. We just need to be willing to work as a unit, to accept help from those around us and in turn offer assistance to others.

When the goose at the front of the ‘V’ gets tired, it falls back into the formation and another goose with more energy takes its place. It’s a good idea to share out the hard tasks and take turns. When we come together, a team or community of people can draw on each other’s skills, talents, or strength, and do more than a single individual.

Geese that fly together “honk” to encourage each other and remind those in front to keep going. Good encouragement is invaluable. Collections of people who encourage and cheer each other on have a greater rate of productivity than those who keep silent. Honking and giving encouragement not only reminds us that we’re doing a good job but it tells us others care and that we aren’t alone.

If one goose gets sick or hurt, two other geese will leave the formation and fall back to help and protect the wounded goose. They stay with it until it dies or can fly again. Then the three join another formation or catch up with the original flock. If you strike out on your own when things get really bad there is no one to look out for you. Together there is always someone who has your back and can help you until you’re back to full capacity again.

It’s very clear that there are benefits from walking a journey with others beside you, especially if you’re trying to achieve a goal or reach a destination. In all aspects of life, be it family, work, social, or spiritual, joining with others who are moving in the same direction as you are can not only make the journey more fun but also help you got further than you would be able to on your own.

Faith can be a very personal matter. You can’t rely on someone else to believe in God for you – that’s your job. It can sometimes feel like you need to be free to define your faith alone and independent of others, but faith is a journey and it’s one that should be walked with others who will encourage, strengthen, and instruct. The Bible puts it this way,

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

God’s plan for those who believe in Him wasn’t that we would live out our faith in isolation, but rather that we would come together to uplift those who were struggling, care for those in need, and cheer each other on towards a deeper understanding of who God is and who we are in him. If your faith and relationship with God is kept as a solo journey you will only ever grow in understanding and maturity to the level of your own ability. When you walk with other believers, when hard times or questions arise, there are people who can cheer you on, give advice or answers, and challenge you to go further and more passionately forward in your relationship with God.

Do you fight fair?

Donna Burke

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May 26, 2016

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Unless you choose to live completely alone, shut off from the world, and have absolutely no contact with others, at some point you will disagree with someone and most likely experience some form of conflict.

Conflict is part of life. Arguing with those closest to you isn’t exactly a fun experience but it may be helpful to remember that when conflict is resolved well it can strengthen a relationship. It’s through conflict that couples deal with issues and situations that would otherwise pull them apart. The key is learning how to argue in a way that is healthy and that builds rather than destroys. You need to know how to fight fair.

Remain on topic: It’s easy to get frustrated about one thing and end up fighting about a whole list of minor grievances rather than the main issue. Stick to the point and deal with one problem at a time.

Don’t air your laundry in public: If something is bothering you, don’t bring it up in front of others. If it’s important it will still be valid at a more appropriate and private time. Fighting fair means you deal with things in private without shaming your significant other or causing unnecessary embarrassment to them or your friends. You’ll only enflame the situation and it’s unlikely that you’ll resolve anything by picking a fight in front of an audience.

Try and see the other point of view: Just because you feel a certain way, doesn’t mean that everyone will. Try and put yourself in the other person’s shoes and see where they are coming from.

Keep calm: It’s very easy to get overly emotional and either explode or dissolve into a weeping mess. Neither of these are going to help you resolve conflict. If anything, they only make the whole situation harder for everyone. Take a breath and do your best to maintain your self-control. If needed, take a time out and come back to the discussion when you’re calmer.

Don’t be a bully: Name-calling is never acceptable. Remember that you love the person you’re fighting with and hurting their feelings isn’t going to solve your dispute or bring you closer together. Unkind words can continue to do damage after the initial disagreement has been forgotten.

Know when to quit: Dragging out a conflict or coming back to an argument that has been settled is an unfair tactic. Similarly holding onto your anger and not finding a way to forgive or move on won’t help anyone. The Bible tells us not to use our anger to fuel revenge or to go to bed still mad, and that’s really good advice!

If you have conflict to resolve remember that you want to resolve it – not just win an argument. In any relationship, but especially in marriages, the focus of discussing issues and fighting things out is to find a common ground where you are both heard and hopefully find a solution. It’s never worth being right or winning the fight if the cost is your relationship.

As a married couple you are now viewed as one. The marriage ceremony uses the words “What God has joined maybe together, let no man separate” and the “no man” includes you! Don’t allow your fighting style to drive a wedge that could lead to permanent separation. Learn instead how to resolve your differences in a way that puts your relationship first and not your need to win.

Parenting: One size doesn’t fit all

Donna Burke

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May 24, 2016

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The issue of educating children according to their temperament and learning type instead of following a universal, standardised programme is not a new topic for discussion. For many years parents and teachers have been aware that children (just like us adults) come in all shapes and sizes. Some children are academically gifted, others are artistic, some are practical and hands-on, and others… well you get the picture. The tricky part is finding a way to encourage and teach in a way that benefits and speaks to each individual. For those of us who are responsible for raising little people this problem isn’t confined to the classroom. How effectively you relate to your child on any level has as much to do with their personality type as it does your skill as a parent.

Blessing or a curse

It’s a wonderful moment in the life of a parent when you begin experiencing your baby’s personality. Recognising the attributes that make up your child’s temperament is part of the journey of getting to know them as an individual and it’s wonderful to see who they are, emerging before your eyes. As great as this reality is, it can also come with its challenges. Personality and temperament are the reason that no two children are alike. What works for one child, may not necessarily work for another.

We broke the mould

I have four children. They are all wonderful but they are also all completely different. My firstborn has always been an active, out-going, fill-the-room kind of child. She is very social, loves to laugh and have fun, and does it all loudly.

When I was pregnant with my second child I was told that baby number two would be the complete opposite to baby number one. I was expecting to find that my second baby would be quiet, subdued, and as introverted as my first is extroverted. My second child is definitely different to her older sister but she isn’t quiet – she does everything in her own time and on her own terms but she isn’t the “opposite” personality that I was lead to expect she would be.

All four of my kids have shown me that there is no such thing as a one size fits all when it comes to raising children. If you’re finding it difficult to connect with your child or feel like you’re just not getting through to them, don’t feel alone. I think all parents feel this way at some point in the journey. Here are a few things that might help you stay calm and find a solution:

1. Take a step back

Frustration is the enemy of parenting well. If you’re frustrated, chances are your child is equally frustrated and that’s a combination that will lead to disaster. Remember, you’re the grown-up – if you can’t keep perspective, difficult situations have the potential to spiral and work against what you’re trying to achieve, which ultimately is you and your child working towards the same goal.

2. Listen and learn

I think it’s a rite of passage that parents get it wrong sometimes. The trick is when things don’t go the way you want them to, learn from your mistakes. For example, if timeouts as a form of discipline have no effect at all, change tactic. If asking for help or for a task to be done falls on deaf ears, try showing what you want done by physically working together.

3. Speak the same language

Your child is more likely to listen and behave as requested when they feel loved and understood. This may sound easy but in his book The Five Love Languages Dr Gary Chapman explained that each of us have a unique love language. This means we feel love in the actions of others based on what we consider to be important. For example, if you value gifts and material things you will feel more loved when people give you something tangible than if they give you a hug. This means your “love language” is the language of gifts. It’s very possible that your child has a different love language than you do and it will make a big difference if you learn their language and tell them that you love them in ways they will understand.

Horses for courses

A cookie cutter, all-from-the-same-mold family is a very rare thing and the rest of us just have to adjust our approach accordingly to fit the personality of the little individual we are parenting. The thing to bear in mind when trying to parent children with different personalities is that while you may need to tailor your approach to fit the temperament, you need to remain consistent with the desired outcome.

You can do it!

The Bible talks about the fact that we have all been beautifully and wonderfully made by God. We are unique, perfectly formed, and designed with our own personalities, likes and dislikes, areas of brilliance, and points of weakness. Children are no exception. As parents it takes grace and patience to mould and encourage, and skill to bring out the best in each precious individual. In the book of Psalms we are told:

“Children are a gift from God”

God not only gave you your child, He has also given you the ability to be exactly the right sort of parent that your child needs you to be.

Losing your innocence

Lifestyle

Donna Burke

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May 18, 2016

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I read a lovely article this week on the innocence of childhood. The writer spoke about how all children have an air of innocence about them which sadly dissipates as they grow older. I have the wonderful privilege of experiencing that kind of innocence every day. I get to watch my four children as they explore their world, discover new ideas, and push all manner of boundaries, in many cases completely unaware of the darker, less appealing side of life because as far as they are concerned, life is beautiful.

Everything changes

Sadly, before we know it that inexplicable quality has somehow changed. We seem to lose the innocence of childhood in the process of growing up and it’s hard to say when and how it exactly happens. It is true, there is something about the carefree existence of a child that does vanish as we mature.

My eldest daughter believes that everyone is approachable, and all she needs to do is ask in order to get assistance for whatever it is that she wants to achieve. I know that one day she will learn that not everyone is willing to help her and someone down the line will possibly be rude or mean when denying her request. I don’t look forward to that day because it will change her. The wonderful openness she has towards others will become a little more guarded and less willing to be vulnerable.

All is not lost

While the innocence of childhood may fade over time there is an element of being innocent that it is possible to hang on to. The dictionary defines innocence as being without guile or corruption – it’s about being pure. I think very often we confuse this wholesome state with that of naivety. Naivety isn’t quite the same as being innocent. Naivety speaks of lacking wisdom or experience. A naïve person is often blissfully unaware and oblivious to the reality surrounding them but a person who has a sense of innocence may well be aware of what it going on but is able to remain untainted and unaffected by their circumstances.

Out of the frying pan

There is an account in the Old Testament about three young men who, because of their faith in God, were condemned to be put to death by being thrown into a furnace. The story goes that when the three were cast into the fire, instead of being burnt alive, God saved them and they walked out unharmed. The bible tells us that not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!

As good as new

It’s hard to remain untouched and unchanged by disappointments and hurts but it is possible to maintain an air of innocence regardless of the challenges you face. To remain pure and not smelling of smoke even though you’ve come through the fire. The things you encounter in your lifetime may cure you of your naivety and you may learn that not everything is as rosy as you once thought, but if you guard your heart these lessons need not leave you bitter and tainted. Just like the three men in furnace, if God is with you, you can come through the hard seasons with a pure and untainted attitude and not even a hint of smoke.

Are you confident, or just plain arrogant?

Donna Burke

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May 17, 2016

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Are you confident, or just plain arrogant?

Confidence and arrogance are, in many ways, different sides of the same coin, but while one inspires trust, encourages, and attracts, the other alienates, annoys, and belittles. There is a very fine line between these two character traits and it can sometimes be difficult to tell the two apart. So how can you know if you are displaying confidence or just being arrogant?

It wasn’t me: One of the tell-tale signs that a person is arrogant is an inability to admit that they are wrong or have made a mistake. It’s always someone else’s fault, and they are never to blame. Confident people, on the other hand, are secure enough in who they are and their own abilities, that when mistakes or failings happen they are able to own their errors, pick themselves up, and try again.

Yes, I know: A person with confidence is happy to seek help from those who are more expert or have more knowledge in an area than themselves. They are not threatened but understand that they can benefit from others’ experience and wisdom. Arrogant people, however, are very often unteachable, know it all already and always have an answer for everything. They are happier to dodge the question or fudge the answer, rather than admit they don’t know or need help.

Me vs. the world: How someone responds to the mistakes made by those around them will quickly indicate whether they fall into the arrogant or confident camp. An arrogant person will gloat and laugh at the mistakes of someone else, they will use someone’s failings to boost their own status. A confident person realises that they don’t need someone else to mess up in order to find success themself. A confident individual is able to help others correct their mistakes and celebrate another’s success.

I’m the greatest: Possibly the number one difference between being arrogant and being confident is how you view yourself and others. An arrogant person believes that they are more important and superior to everyone else. Confidence is when you know that you’re amazing but also realising that everyone else is just as amazing as you are.

It’s not you, it’s me

When all is said and done, the crucial distinction between confidence and arrogance is a sense of security. Despite appearances, an arrogant person is using their inflated opinion of their own worth to cover up feelings of insecurity. Boastful and proud behaviour is used to compensate for feelings of inadequacy. A confident person is able to engage with, and appreciate others, because they are convinced of their own significance. They know their own value and can similarly see worth in those around them without detracting from their own surety.

The bible teaches that each one of us is valuable. It tells us that God considers everyone as being important. This is good news. If you view the people you interact with in light of the fact that God calls them valuable, it becomes very difficult to be arrogant and consider yourself superior to them. If your confidence is weak and you’re feeling insecure, maybe you just need to remember that God loves you and that as far as he is concerned, you matter.

The path to excellence

Lifestyle

Donna Burke

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May 12, 2016

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Excellence: the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.

I am pretty certain that no-one ever really sets out in life with the desire to be sub-standard. Regardless of how competitive or ambitious you are, anyone with an ounce of self-pride (the good kind) wants to feel that they are good at something. Granted, life and circumstance can rob us of our desire to be more than just average but if you look at any child you will see that in the beginning we all have a will to be good and give of our best.

It’s not about talent

There is an image doing the rounds on social media at the moment that lists 10 things that require zero talent.

I love this because it’s so true! Being of out-standing or remarkable quality doesn’t have to mean that you are the most gifted or talented person in the room; in fact a lack of skill can mean that you focus more on the characteristics that really make for an amazing person of excellence, instead of coasting by on your God-given abilities.

Consistency is the key

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle

It has to be remembered though that to be truly excellent is a full-time, 24/7, no time off gig. You can’t be a bit excellent, you either are excellent or you‘re not. Yes, we’re all a work in progress and yes, we all make mistakes and have off days but being consistent is a vital part of being exceptional. If you are committed and always present, giving of your best and going the extra mile at work, but you’re unreliable, selfish, and detached in your home-life or friendships, then you’re not really being a person of excellence. Similarly you can’t be considered first rate if you are honest and integrous with your friends and family but you cheat in business and are deceptive at work. Living life inconsistently will only do more harm than good. The Bible puts it this way:

Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honourable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

It isn’t always fun

Being a person of excellence and living consistently is known to contribute to how successful your life will be. Excellence is attractive, it’s admirable, and speaks of quality and discipline, but like all things that produce good results being consistently excellent isn’t always a walk in the park. It’s easy to put in 110% effort when you are doing something you love or spending time with people you like, but what about when you’re doing something that’s necessary but not enjoyable? The true test of excellence and your ability to be consistent is how you navigate those things where your passions are not engaged and it takes effort to continue to be outstanding and valuable. The Bible teaches that God wants us to live outstanding and excellent lives, but more than just being brilliant as a once-off or a part-time state, He wants us to live lives that are consistently honourable and bring value.

Building your willpower

Lifestyle

Donna Burke

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May 10, 2016

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Wouldn’t it be great if every time temptation came along you had the willpower to turn and walk in the opposite direction?

Self-control is a valuable commodity. Being able to resist temptation and exercise power over our will has an impact on our physical health, our relationships, our financial status, and our ability to live law-abiding lives.

What is it?

At the core of willpower is the ability to resist something that might bring immediate satisfaction or pleasure in order to reap the benefits long-term. It’s willpower that helps you say no to the bar of chocolate in the cupboard because you want lose a couple of kilos. Self-discipline will also keep you committed to your studies or your relationship when the going gets tough and keeping going requires a bit more effort.

Flex your muscles

Willpower is often compared to a muscle. The more you use it, the more exercise you give it, the stronger it becomes. It’s also important to bear in mind that like a muscle it can also be tired out through extended use. When trying to resist something that you know is not good for you or will rob you of future rewards, it’s important to not over-work your self-discipline. Don’t remain in a place where you are constantly being called upon to resist temptation – put distance between yourself and temptation and build up your resistance over time. Giving yourself a break will strengthen your control, whereas constant temptation will tire you out and break your resolve.

Keep the end goal in sight

To be most effective, willpower needs a goal. Whatever you are trying to achieve, whether it’s a change in habits, like healthy eating or exercise, or keeping a better control on your spending, it’s important to remember the “why” behind your decision to bring about change. If the ultimate goal is a long way off, it can be helpful to put in place mini rewards to keep you motivated along the way.

Stay strong

It’s harder to remain committed and keep your willpower strong if you aren’t looking after yourself. Lack of sleep will diminish your ability to stick to your decisions. It’s interesting to note that resisting temptation requires energy and therefore causes our blood sugar levels to drop, which in turn causes our willpower to weaken. Eating regularly, getting enough sleep, and generally keeping physically strong will strengthen your self-control.

Helping hand

Resisting temptation can be an ongoing battle. Many times when we attempt to change our behaviour and resist things that seem attractive we can easily fail and give in to our desires. The Bible tells us that the virtue of self-control is a by-product, or fruit, of God’s Spirit. Where we may struggle to overcome things that entice and seduce us, when we ask God to help us and surrender our will to His, He can be the strength we need to walk away when temptation is at its strongest. In the New Testament the Apostle Paul wrote that anyone who has a relationship with Jesus is given a fresh start and things from their old way of life are replaced by a new way of living. If our will fails, our relationship with Jesus should be the strength we draw upon to in our times of weakness.

Getting the results you’re looking for

Lifestyle

Donna Burke

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April 19, 2016

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When I was growing up my parents sent me to have piano lessons. I love that I can play piano; it remains one of my favourite things to do. However, there were occasions during the early years of my lessons when the last thing I wanted to do was practice. Playing the same scales over and over until I mastered them and repeating the same line of a piano piece until all the mistakes were ironed out sometimes took hours. But the old saying goes “Practice makes perfect”.

If at first you don’t succeed…

Time has flown and now I’m the parent listening to my own daughter practice at the piano. It brings back many memories but I’ve noticed that unless she is playing the music as it is written, with all the right notes and the right timing, she doesn’t improve. If the mistakes aren’t pointed out and corrected, they stay the same and with time become very difficult to unlearn. My dad used to point this out to me and told me practice doesn’t always make perfect, but it will make permanent.

Work smarter, not harder

There is a well-known quote, sometimes attributed to Einstein, that says,

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

It’s amazing how easy it is to get into the habit of repeating the same thing over and over and believing that because of the amount of hours and work that have been sown, we will be rewarded based on sheer effort. We repeat the same patterns in our relationships or at work and look for situations to improve, but we end up with the same results no matter how hard we try or wish that things were different. If we are continually cutting corners in our studies or in our work, we will reap shallow and unstable results based on happy coincidence rather than intentional focus and diligence. If we are dishonest in our relationships, even if our lies are to avoid hurting someone’s feelings, the result will always be distrust, and a breakdown in trust is very hard to overcome.

Reap what you sow

The bible says in book of Proverbs:

“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

Another passage of scripture tells us that what we sow is what we will reap. The key to getting the outcome you are looking for is to go back to the beginning and makes sure that the habits you are practicing will lead to the results that you seek. If you find yourself repeatedly making the same mistakes or having the same arguments and problems creep up in your relationships, it’s very possible that the things you are practicing aren’t going to lead to perfection but they are becoming permanent through repetition.

It’s not always easy to know how to change the way we live, sow better seeds in our lives, and ultimately reap better results, but the Bible tells us how we can start over and become like a new person. If you would like to know more, please click on the link below.

Donna Burke

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