You Don't Have to Wait

There's a story in the Bible about a man at the pool of Bethesda. He, along with other individuals with infirmities, waited for their opportunity to be healed of their infirmity by getting in the water when it was troubled. The story notes that the man had the infirmity for thirty-eight years. It was believed that those who stepped in the body of water during a certain time, could be healed from their infirmity.

When Jesus passed through and asked the man if he would be made whole, he offered an excuse. He indicated that no one would put him in the water and if he tried to get in the water, someone would get ahead of him before he could reach it. I'm sure it is a surprise to many who hear or read the story that he lay in that state for so long.

I thought about his story as I reflected on the end of the year. Many times we make plans or declarations for things that we hope to accomplish in the upcoming year. For those who choose to do a new year's resolution, it's usually decided by the last day of the year and the declaration is made at the first day of the new year.

I am a planner. I agree with ensuring there is a plan B if the initial plan doesn't work. I believe in setting goals and encourage others to do the same. However, there are some things that can be initiated or accomplished without waiting for the new year to be begin. Technically we do not have to wait until January 1st of any year to start or make any desired changes. It can be any other month or day throughout the year. The change starts when you make up your mind. The man in the story waited for someone to facilitate the change for him. Even after he was given instruction to take up his bed and walk, he had to be in agreement so that he could make a choice in his mind. He wouldn't have been able to make a move to get up if he did not make up his mind to rise up.

Rise up in your mind first. Start wherever you are, whenever you are ready. Don't feel pressured to start on January 1st. If you're ready before the new year, go forward and make that move.