Drifting Through
I had a bit of a wake-up call the afternoon I wrote this post. I was reading a book I received for my birthday. It’s called “Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill (Sterling Publishing Co, 2011). The book is has an odd feel to it. It was actually written in 1938, but was not published until last year. It features an interview with Satan. In it, the writer asks a series of questions concerning the devil’s schemes in how he controls the world. The devil says it is through the mind. It is easy to control a mind when there is no purpose or people who do not think for themselves. Whether you believe there’s a devil or not, this book is right on target with many of its theories and observances. However, as I said, this was written over 70 years ago.
My wake-up call was the definition of a drifter. A drifter is easily conquered; someone who has little to no imagination, a person who lacks enthusiasm or initiative, or someone who starts many projects but finishes none (pg 91-92). There was a formula for drifting as well: laziness + indifference = procrastination = drifting (pg 86). This was me several years ago. Do I see myself in this way now? No, but I could easily fall back into old practices. The writer uses the word “habit.” Laziness is an old friend. Procrastination is easily available to me. I do not want to fall into the habit of drifting through life again. I don’t want to walk on a whim. There is a reason for my presence in this world. I don’t want to miss the opportunities put before me. “The non-drifter has a mind of their own and uses it for all purposes.” (pg 94) Reality check: am I drifting or am I considering plans for the future? It’s not the time to drift but to live with purpose.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
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