The Critic

Day 7--Who is my biggest critic, other than myself, and why?

Let me just say, I am indeed my biggest critic. I do not think there is anyone else harder on me than I am. I can be quite ruthless, but I cannot pick myself. 

At different times, I feel those closest to me will become the critic I need when I need it. I think it is criticism heavily laced with encouragement. I cannot give the 'critic' title to one person because any one of my friends will step up and say, 'Hey, Step, you really need to get going.' It's more like a gentle kick than a critical punch.

Those who know me well feel I have a lot to offer and am loaded down with potential. I do not think any of them want me to waste it. That fact, alone, makes them all by biggest critic---after I get done with me. 

What I Do...

Day 6--Evaluate my 'unconditional' giving trait.

Friends and I were discussing what is the thing that we do, the unconditional thing we do for people no matter how they treat us. My initial response was that I cater to people. I observe what makes them happy and then try to do those things. Those two think I was off base. 

Well, maybe the word 'cater' is not the correct word. I've given it much consideration. I notice people have a tendency to tell me things and find it easy to talk to me. I think people feel they can tell me anything, that I really empathize with what they have to say.

Listening is my unconditional giving trait. I'm the shoulder people cry on, the choir people preach to, the vent people release to, the board they bounce idea off of. 

So what's on your mind? Go ahead; I'll wait... 

 

Growing Up

Day 5--In what area can I mature?

This is a tough one. Not because I do not have any areas but because I cannot pick which is the most important.

My relationship with God is the area I can and want to mature in the most. I believe as that relationship improves so will all of the other areas in my life. 

I pray God will continue to guide and cover me and I pray I stay open and available to God.

Lack of Preparation

Day 4--What are you least prepared for?

Financial prosperity...

I have poor money management skills. Nothing BUT GOD keeps me in check. I am working to improve this matter but as they say, Rome was not built in a day. 

Work in progress...

Distractions

Day 3--List and evaluate your distractions

I believe I can sum up my distractions in one word: FEAR.  

I could do the laundry list thing. But why? I know the heart of the matter is fear. Afraid of failing, afraid of succeeding, afraid of being noticed, afraid of being accountable. And these fears manifest themselves into doubt and procrastination. Then I avoid those things with social media, television, Xbox games, busy work, my job...

Fortunately, I am a work in progress and I have a Potter who won't quit.