TODAY THE WORDS are HITTING THE MARK. No, my fellow gun lovers, this post is not about gun control but is dedicated to marksmanship in life. In other words, how sharp are our skills in our daily living? When I was old enough to learn to shoot, my father took me as well as my other siblings to practice shooting the safe way, the correct way, and the accurate way. He knew what he was talking about since he was a policeman and had gone through the department training. I learned how to steady the gun, make sure I had the target in sight, and fire at the target. I shot many cans, jugs, and other home made targets (didn’t have printed targets). Lately, I have two young cousins I see going to the target range and it seems to be a great sport for them. When I see hunters who have made a “good kill” with a deer or hog; they are so proud of their accomplishments of hitting their mark. I don’t hunt but a lot of people love the sport and the food they provide from their hunting. This memory takes me to my deeper thought……..Hitting the mark in life takes the same effort. We take on a lot of responsibility in life (well the responsible person takes on responsibilities and the others freeload). We work; we have relationships; and then families. We have financial goals, and we have plans for retirement; or do we? Do we stand straight with shoulders erect; do we get our target in sight; do we plant our feet firmly to steady the course; and do we consistently practice doing what will make us better at hitting the mark?
It is the same in parenting as children respond to consistent parent responses and remain consistent in their reactions if this is practiced. Once a child sees that Mommy or Daddy stand straight; they are consistent, firm but not angry, and no means no and yes means yes; they want to wiggle and move out of your sight. Relationships, without the steady input of expressions of love, caring, support become hard to aim at being the most loving and stable. Work without the commitment to excel and that takes plenty of practice to be creative, punctual, and focused. Financial goals fit in this continuous practice and strong determination to “hit the mark” is necessary for all of us who want to see the stockpile of successful marks on our target. Life is a shooting range for us and we need practice, determination, focus and a steady stance to hit our mark. May we aim straight, may we stand firm and may we understand the importance of practicing until we get it right. Aim for the bulls-eye in our spiritual side as “missed” will not count in eternity.
DAILY FEATURED BIBLE VERSE:
Matthew 7:21-23 (King James Version)
| 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (c) copyright 2014 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission. |
