Return to Responsibility

Today, we are talking about a return to responsibility, one of my first posts. I can’t believe it’s been two years already. Where does the time go? This message is as true today as it was then. And it’s how I’m feeling today. Some days are hard and you feel like you just want to quit. You may be thinking, ‘what’s the use of trying? This is just too overwhelming.’ But you know there’s more at stake than just what you want. We’ve got other people to think about, not just ourselves. We have a responsibility to keep going. Never give up.

Responsibility. There’s a fun word, right? Who wants to be responsible these days? Let’s return to good old-fashioned values.

Being responsible is challenging. Taking on accountability, owning up, doing what is expected of you, and taking care of something or someone else is a challenge.

It’s too easy today to start something and just drop it if it doesn’t fit our needs, our schedules or is too demanding. We live in a culture of “me firsts” and people who are only interested in gratifying themselves. They are the ones with the ‘universe revolves around me’ mentality. We are so spoiled in this country. We have more than most people around the world, yet we waste food, resources, time and money like there is an endless supply.

I’m not pointing fingers at anyone. I’ve been there and done that. I’m not immune. But I’ve also learned that that isn’t how it’s supposed to be. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that in order to be happy, I have to step outside my little box, look around and take responsibility for my actions and the world around me.

So Let’s Take Action

Make a list of all the things you are responsible for and then set about doing those things every day with joy and vibrancy with the intention of making a difference in the world for others, not just ourselves. Here are mine:

• I am responsible for keeping my house clean.
• Making the bed
• Cooking and eating the foods that will keep me and my family healthy.
• Picking pick up the trash I see around me in my neighborhood.
• To show up to work on time every day.
• To pay my bills when they are due.
• I am responsible for my language and how I talk to others.

As parents, we are responsible for providing for our families by working and raising our children to be responsible adults.

As citizens, we are responsible for voting for qualified candidates in local, state and national races. Read and know what we are voting on and who we are voting for. We are educated on the issues.

As Christians, we are responsible for sharing our faith, handing it on to our children and grandchildren, friends and neighbors. Sharing Jesus is the ultimate responsibility.

People reap what they sow. Little effort produces little results. Not only that, but our responsibility or lack of it affects the lives of others. Don’t make excuses for why you aren’t fulfilling your duties. Get in there and do it!

God bless.–Barb