Appraise With Praise

Hi everyone! It’s been ages…I know. How have you been? I hope you have been well. I’m actually grinning as I type, as I’ve missed doing this.

Can you believe it’s now the second half of the year? Where has all the time gone? A few days ago, I was tempted, just like many of you, to review my journal and all the plans I excitedly made at the beginning of the year. How did it feel, you might ask? Not exciting, you probably guessed right.

credit: storyset

A few years ago, I would have felt disappointed, but I’m thankful for growth because I’ve learned to appraise myself with praise to God and compassion to myself. We might not all be surpassing or hitting our targets; it is important that we express the right attitude towards this to allow us to grow and make progress.

• Firstly, it’s imperative that we recognize taking an appraisal of our lives is godly

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Psalms 90:12

The wisdom to take a personal assessment of one’s life comes from God and should be seen as such because He wants you to make more progress than you can ever desire on your own.

credit: storyset

• What is your perspective?

Our generation is critical (has its pros and cons), and we tend to overestimate our own abilities and resources available to us. So, you might not have hit the 90% goal mark, but you are at 65%. This is worth giving thanks for as you make plans for necessary adjustments.

We should be gentle with ourselves. You’ve not lost 10kg, but you’ve lost 2kg, or at least you’re now exercising, which you weren’t doing before. You’ve not saved a thousand pounds, but you’ve saved 100. You might not have read 10 books yet, but at least you’ve read one. The list goes on and on.

In life, perspectives matter. Someone else is on their deathbed right now, wishing they had the chance to even fail at their goals and moan about it.

credit: storyset

• Appraise with Praise

“Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed because His compassions fail not.”

Lamentations 3:22

Take a moment to reflect on how unpredictable the world around us has become. One person is here today and gone tomorrow; the unprecedented economic chaos and challenges persist.

Despite not being where you want to be, give thanks to God that you are alive (even if you have challenges in your health). For when there is life, there is hope.

credit: storyset

• Don’t Compare Yourself

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

On this voyage called life, our destination differs. Why do we then expect our journeys to be similar? You will find that some people are doing well and happy until they compare their lives with others.

Resist the urge to compare yourself with anyone but your past self. The competition is with yourself.

credit: storyset

• Restrategize and Don’t Give Up

Take a break or personal retreat if you need one (it doesn’t have to be exorbitant; choosing to stay up one night instead of Netflix and give yourself a break also counts).

How have you done? Where have you not met expectations, or where have you succeeded? What would you do differently, why, and when?

Put it down on paper, pray, and plan.

I’m praying that God gives you grace in this second half to surpass your own expectations. Leaving you with the peace of God! Please share with your friends!

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