In 1959, Fidel Castro assumed power in Cuba. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev toured the United States. Alaska and Hawaii become the 49th and 50th states, respectively. The cost of a stamp was $0.04. Texas Instruments supervised the development of the first integrated circuit for computers. The cost of a movie ticket was $1. A loaf of bread was $0.20. The national median cost of a house was less than $12,000. A gallon of gas was $0.30. A Ford car was $2,132. Average income was $5,016. And I was born on Jan. 14.
In 2022, things look different. The 2020 presidential election was everything but a smooth operation. The U.S. Capitol was assaulted by a group of people who protested that the election was a fraud. The U.S. has territories in American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.The world’s smallest integrated chip is thinner than a piece of photocopier paper. The cost of movie — well, most of us don’t go because of COVID-19. A loaf of bread is $1.55. The national average cost of a house is $269,039. A gallon of gas is $3.29. A Ford vehicle is $46,992. Average income is $63,214. And I will be 63 on Jan. 14.
As we counted down to 12 a.m., waiting to welcome January 2022, I couldn’t believe I was still awake. I’m usually in bed at 10 p.m. getting ready to head back to the salt mines the next day. I reflected on my life as a boy, and the decisions I’ve made up to now. We are the best salesmen when it comes to convincing ourselves of any decision we follow, whether it’s right or wrong. We are directly involved with the outcome. And I saw how that’s played out in my life.
What is your vision for 2022 — for yourself, your family and how you interact with friends and co-workers? If you and your spouse are newlyweds, if you’re in a seasoned marriage or you have another personal situation, where will you draw your strength? Will you follow your gut decisions, or will you follow something else?
This writing by Mary Kate says it all:
“Who you are is not determined by what you wear, the money in your wallet nor how you look. Who you are is simply determined by who or what you follow. If you follow money, you will only seek after such, giving your all for it. If you seek after what they call ‘fun,’ your life will be aimed towards finding a way to fame, or a new way to party. If you follow the Lord Jesus, your life will be given to Him. And the hopes and dreams you have will be in pleasing Him! Everyone follows someone or something. Who will it be? Choose wisely — you are important!”
Choice is a powerful gift. What will you do with yours?
Live inspired,
Jimmy
Leave a Reply