Everyone has their own certainties. These are things that they have no doubts about. These certainties are personal beliefs that help along the path of life and I’m sure that everyone has their own list with different ideas.
I have heard it said many times that nothing is certain and that certainty is absurd. One quote I found even talks about how ignorance is rooted in certainty. For some people, that may be true, but honestly, I don’t agree.
The things that I know for certain are based on my feelings and personal experiences, so maybe that is why I don’t buy into the "absurdity of certainty". Anyway, with a new year around the corner, I think it is always nice to reflect on the things and/or feelings about which I feel certain. For me, reflecting on these things really leads me to having an open and grateful heart and starting the New Year on a positive note. Seriously, what could be wrong with that?
I recommend looking at creating your very own list of certainties before the New Year starts. Like I said, it is a great way to open your heart for the New Year.
MY LIST OF CERTAINTIES
1. GOD IS REAL
Yes…He is real. He has guided me and answered my prayers and I have seen His work in many different areas of my life. He has lifted me out of bad situations and placed me into good ones. He has closed doors for me and opened new and better ones. He has brought wonderful people into my life and removed toxic people all at the perfect time.
If you don't know God as real, He is always available and ready to hear your prayers, your cries for help and loves you no matter what. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)
2. THE LOVE OF A MOTHER IS HARD TO EXPLAIN
As a mother, it is so hard to explain the love I have for my boys. It’s a love that makes you smile and cry at the same time. It’s a love that surpasses any other love and one that makes you feel like there is nothing you would not do for your child. It’s wanting so much more for them than you could ever want for yourself. It’s the type of love where giving of yourself is of the utmost importance and not a single thought of not doing so crosses your mind.
3. DOING NICE THINGS FOR OTHERS ALWAYS FEELS GOOD
Even a small compliment can make someone’s day brighter. Never pass up the opportunity to do something nice for someone. Yes, it will make them feel better….but so will you!
4. FORGIVENESS IS KEY TO MOVING FORWARD
Although it may be hard sometimes, forgiveness is something I have to do. I cannot hold grudges or harbor ill feelings towards anyone. Yes, I take my time to be upset and over-think situations where I feel wronged, but in the end, I have to forgive. It is important for me to let go of all the negative thoughts and feelings in order to feel the good stuff.
5. DO ALL THINGS WITH LOVE
I realized a long time ago that if my motives came from a selfish place, the outcome would be less than desirable. When I do something for someone, it is out of the pure goodness and love that I have within me. I cannot do anything out of selfish means or expecting something in return.
6. LIFE DOESN'T ALWAYS GO AS PLANNED
This needs no explanation. There is quote after quote about “the best laid plans”… the difference is how we react when things don’t go as planned. The most important lesson that I’ve learned over the years is that if I am in God’s will, His plans will supersede mine and even when things are not going well or seem to be just messed up, I know that God‘s got it.
7. PRAYER WORKS
It does. Period. Remembering that everything is in God’s timing is hard, but praying through tough times is what gets me through. Prayer is essential for many things like drawing closer to God, gaining forgiveness, giving us strength, and inspiring hope.
8. BEING HAPPY IS A PERSONAL CHOICE
This one is really hard to grasp sometimes. Sometimes we go through a traumatic event or everything seems dark and in these times it’s hard to find happiness. We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can change how we react to them.
I always remind myself, especially in the midst of a sad time that God is in control:
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
When I began to fully understand this concept, I realized that no matter what, I have to make the choice to be happy or to not be happy. Everything was going to work out the way God ordained. If He is in control, how can we NOT be happy???
9. SAYING “I’M SORRY” IS AN ACT OF EMPATHY NOT AN ACCEPTANCE OF GUILT (in most cases).
Empathy is lost on many people, especially in today’s world. Empathy is simply “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” When I say “I’m sorry” to someone, I am not saying that I am guilty of anything, but I am trying to show them that I can relate to their pain. It is an act of kindness. It is, for just one moment, letting someone know that you care about what they are going through.
(There is, of course, certain situations in which an apology is owed and saying “I’m sorry” is the required response).
10. BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE
Unfortunately this is true and like many, I’ve had my share of bad things happen to me. I just have to remind myself that God knows what’s best and that I need to “…count it all joy when [I] fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of [my] faith produces patience” (James 1:2).
There is a reason for every trial and a purpose for every setback. Now in my life, I choose to look at what God will reveal with every bad situation and look forward to the outcomes.
What are your personal certainties? Maybe you can relate to the ones I’ve listed above.
Take time to reflect on the certainties in your life and know that they are part of what drives you to be the person you are.
Here’s to a great New Year of possibilities and certainties!
Blessings,
Amy