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On Perspective
Early in 2023, I heard someone say that Ecclesiastes is the best book to study in mid-life. That’s when I checked for potential Bible Studies focused on Ecclesiastes and found Tommy Nelson’s 2005 study entitled A Life Well Lived. Tommy Nelson, the Pastor at Denton Bible Church (my brother and sister-in-law’s home church), took an in-depth look at Ecclesiastes.
Nelson’s study is organized into 12 chapters—neatly fitting my plan for monthly blog posts!
- January – The Question of the Ages
- February – The Quest for Meaning
- March – The Problem of Life with God
- April – Living in an Insane World
- May – The Purpose of Money
- June – When Bad is Better
- July – Do the Right Thing
- August – Live Well Now
- September – Stay Poised
- October – Living Without Regrets
- November – Nails, Goads, & Glory
- December – A Challenge to Live Well
As I considered the themes of mid-life and Ecclesiastes, the word “Perspective” seemed to be the best fit. The dictionary defines perspective as “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”
Perspective by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free
Perspective has a Latin root meaning “look through” or “perceive.” It’s the lens in which you view all things in your life. Your perspective is shaped unconsciously from your past life experiences, how you were raised, your values and beliefs and messages you received from important people in your life.
Both my father and my grandfather were role models for me growing up. They were both public servants with the Corpus Christi Army Depot. Both taught me the values of:
- Excellence (Do your best);
- Integrity (Do what you say); and
- Improvement (Get better over time).
Both also demonstrated an effective balance as leaders between work, family, and church responsibilities. What I saw them model I would later learn is termed “servant leadership.” I am trying to strike a similar balance today…
In our world, where the search for meaning and purpose propels mankind to try everything under the sun, Solomon’s conclusions ring louder than ever for people who need answers to life’s big questions. It will be good to consider Solomon’s perspective on a Life Well Lived throughout 2024!
Live Your Word: Look Out
Keep your One Word front and center. What are three things you will do to make sure you have regular reminders of your word?
Share your excitement about your annual One Word with others! Tell them about your journey.
Share it on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn with a simple note of “My One Word is ___.”
May your One Word serve you well, as you shoot for the stars!