weary wanderer

18 months ago I asked a wise older man for the #1 piece of advice he would give his 30 year old self. He said: "Read the Bible every day, then journal what you should know, who you should be, and what you should do based on what you read. It will change your life." I thanked him and then asked him for anything else he might recommend. He said, "Stop. I just told you. Did you not listen? You don't need more advice. If you do what I said, it will change your life." Humbled, I agreed to start and he graciously shared his daily reflections with me, and has been doing so ever since. 18 months later, I can say he was right. It has changed my life. I've watched my life gain more peace, and patience, and gentleness. I say that passively because there's a receiving in it. Some days I do it with excitement and other days out of obligation, but regardless I'm always happy I did it. It has reset the trajectory of my days for my good and the good of those around me. Along the way, I've shared the practice with some close friends and it has changed their lives. And they've shared it with their friends and changed their lives. So in hopes of helping more, I've decided to start posting my reflections in this thread daily. If you'd like to join me, here's how it works: 1) Get a Bible. I like a physical copy, but use whatever works for you. I prefer ESV, but NIV is also a good choice. There are tons of great apps, or Bible Hub is a good resource (biblehub.com). 2) Choose a reading plan. I find it easier to be told what to read than to make the choice daily. My favorite is a daily reading plan by Oswald Chambers (utmost.org/if-you-had-kno…). It serves up a reflection, followed by recommended reading at the bottom. Tip -- sign up for it to be sent to your email every day and choose the modern language version. 3) Read, reflect, and pray. Then journal what you should know, who you should be, and what you should do based on what you read. 4) If you're so inclined, share your reflection as a reply to my daily reflection. I'll try to be vulnerable and would encourage you to do the same, but understandably some are going to be too raw to feel comfortable sharing, and that's ok. 5) If you find it valuable, invite your friends and as Hebrews 10:24 says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." And if you have any questions, my DMs are open.