Eight Daily Decisions: A Roadmap for Renewing Your Mind
Sixteen years ago, I made a decision that changed the trajectory of my life. I left a 30-year career I loved and embarked on a new calling to help lead the Renewing Life Center and spend my days connecting with individuals and couples as a marriage and family therapist. I can honestly say, I love my job. I still consider the time I spend with clients in therapy to be sacred ground. Every day I get to see the courageous efforts of clients and the work of God come together to bring great growth and change. Having a front row seat to see positive change in the lives of my clients will never grow old for me.
The joy of my job does not mean it is always easy. There are days when everything seems to fall flat. Where clients seem stuck, and it appears nothing I am doing seems helpful. Just like any job, there are complaints to be handled, paperwork to complete, problems to solve, and times where it seems like nothing is going right. There are days I come home from work feeling low and I wonder if any good came from my efforts that day. Can you relate?
How do we bounce back from days or seasons like that? I believe we gain strength to stay on the path by renewing our mind. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
If we are being honest, we all experience tough days and seasons. My work as a Marriage and Family Therapist puts me in daily contact with people who face tremendous problems and struggles. We all have times of anxiety, doubt, pain, setbacks, and disappointment. How do we reset in times like these?
There is no “one right way,” but I find the time I spend reading the Bible, praying, and meditating helps tremendously in renewing my mind. Years ago, I also developed a list of eight daily decisions which I review regularly for renewing my mind. I keep these “change your day” decisions in my journal and on a page that sits on my desk.
When it is appropriate, I share this list with my clients. These eight decisions come from some of the great truths of scripture and the decision to put these truths “front and center” will guide us through the day and provide a clear focus regardless of what comes our way. I personally think of them as a compass which helps me renew my mind, find clarity, and stay on the right path. I am happy to share them with you; so here they are:
EIGHT DAILY DECISIONS
Love: Today I will love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and I will generously share God’s love with my family and all others God brings into my life.
Joy: Today I will joyfully and thankfully live fully present in God’s creation.
Faith: Today I will be aware of God’s active presence in my life, and I will trust that as I do my best work, He will bring the results He desires.
Creativity: Today I will creatively use the gifts and resources God has entrusted to me to do the work He has called me to do.
Courage: Today I will live courageously. I will not allow worry about tomorrow, regret, fear, anxiety, or the opinions, and criticisms of others sway me from my calling.
Action: Today I will be a person of persistent action. I will not allow laziness, distractions, comfort, or procrastination keep me from my day’s most important priorities.
Grace: Today I will seek God’s forgiveness and freely forgive others. I choose to live my life free from grudges and resentment. I will share the grace God has given me.
Growth: Today I will seek wisdom and growth. I desire to grow in wisdom, skills, and abilities by earnestly seeking God, His word, wise mentors, and great books.
I want to challenge you to copy these eight decisions and read them daily to bring focus and clarity.
If you need help, remember the therapists at Renewing Life are here for you. You can schedule an appointment by calling 702-434-7290.
Mark Whelchel, M.S., LMFT