Consider back 10 years ago and reflect on some of the major changes that have taken place in your life. If you were able to ask that younger self where they thought they’d be 10 years down the road, do you think you could imagine you’d be where you are today. As I consider where I was 10 years ago, there is no way I’d imagine my life would be where it is but that’s definitely not bad. But that got me to think more and more that as much as I like to think I’m in control of my life and how the day to day decisions I make are my own, there’s so much outside of my control, too.

None of us completely hold to the values or truths that we believe. And what I mean is that each one of us will tell ourselves that we ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ do gets ignored too often in our lives. I should exercise more. I shouldn’t eat all twelve donuts. I should send a care package to a local pastor who would be eternally grateful. I shouldn’t lose my temper.

What have you done that you believe in and are proud of? I began last week’s sermon with a story about a gentleman who made a habit of asking this question, especially to new acquaintances. In asking this question, he had hoped to get beyond the surface question of ‘What do you do for a living?’ and really seek out people’s purpose in life. And that question can easily be related to what we do for a living, but it certainly doesn’t have to be.

There’s a new Disney movie that came out recently that I have come to thoroughly enjoy. It’s called Encanto. If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to check it out, but make sure you watch it at least twice before you make a judgement on it because it took a while to grow on me.