We all get just one shot at this life. There are no practice runs. For some, it’s eighty years but for others, considerably less. However, successful living is not measured in years but rather, in quality. Quality performance, quality character, and quality relationships.

A quality life does not happen unintentionally. It takes conscious effort, risk, and sometimes, hard work. A lot happens in life that we cannot control, but many times, our efforts make a difference. Critical to performance is having the will to consciously set goals and strategize a plan to achieve them and then discipline one’s self to work the plan.

Knowing what is right and wrong is not that difficult–doing what is right can be very difficult at times. Being truthful and faithful runs counter to human nature. We innately look out for number one. Only with the help of the Spirit can we develop the character which reflects values outside ourselves.

Some relationships come easy. They deepen and grow as we begin to enjoy each other. Still, other relationships are strained, bumpy, and even nonexistent due to missing grace. Recognizing that relationships take two, and often, the hard work is done by the recipient rather than the aggressor can be hard to grasp. Self-control is difficult to exercise because it does not always allow us to vindicate ourselves. In the end, we must give up to God and trust that he will show us the bigger picture by pouring his wisdom over us.