Photo by Hamid Roshaan on Unsplash

I’d like to share what I learned from my 31st year. I am reminded that we are in a process of learning and becoming, growing and maturing. 

There’s always time to try something new

I didn’t take interest in my dad’s do-it-yourself projects when I was young. I was rather focused on my studies and other hobbies. And I was lazy. My attitude changed last summer.

I journeyed with a men’s group. Together, we encouraged each other to grow in the places we lacked. We read Becoming a King as a way to become better men for God, others, and those we love. There were several nuggets I took away from the book. One of the chapters encouraged me to fix things and figure things out. This took me on a wonderful and healing journey. I did things I would’ve done with my dad if he were still alive: I tuned bikes, changed car tires, and unclogged sinks! I learned that we can always try something new. While it takes courage (and a bit of humility), the reward in discovering a new skill or hobby is far greater than the investment of time and energy it requires. 

It’s okay to cut back

I went through a lot of transition this past year. I got married (woo!), moved, changed careers, and studied for licensing exams. This was good stress, but stress nonetheless. Unfortunately, my mental and emotional capacity took a toll, so I took some sick days. I’ve come to understand that I am not superman, I don’t have it all together, and I can’t do it all—in fact, I am not supposed to. When I cut back from certain responsibilities, I gained more peace, more effectiveness, and more joy. I think we can fall into the trap that we have to do more to be more. But we can only be more by being, not doing.

Happy are those who are poor in spirit

I recently wrote a post about poverty of spirit here. The Beatitudes spoke to me during harder times last year. It says: blessed are the poor, the mournful, and the persecuted. These are not qualities our present day society might value, but they contain the freedom and hope in the great promises to come—Heaven, where there are no more tears or sorrow. I’ve come to particularly reflect on “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3). I asked myself an ongoing reflection. Does it give God greater glory if we have a choice, and choose poverty, or if we don’t have a choice, and only accept that which is given? What is greater poverty of spirit? Well, I see now that both situations glorify God. What gives God greatest glory is choosing, if we have a choice, and accepting, if we do not. It depends on what the situation calls for!

Continue in courage 

The last reflection I will share is about courage. I’m not perfect. Last year reminded me how much I need to grow and how much I need God. It wasn’t all rosy and exciting: I had issues to work through, I made some mistakes, and quite frankly, I recognized that I am a weak sinner. My falls from charity towards God and neighbour taught me to be gentle with myself—it takes grace to begin again, to pick ourselves back up, and continue onwards. Jesus reminded me that his mercy feeds off my misery. My falls represented an opportunity to experience his love and grace. Despite falling short of holiness, we shall not become discouraged—for all is not lost. We are given another chance with him.

This article is part of the Leadership section. Check out more entries here!