We all have times in our lives when we can look back and reflect on events or places where our lives took a turn in a singular direction. For some people this turning point is a positive. Perhaps a birth, a marriage or a graduation. For others, pivotal moments are directly related to a person who was influential in good choices made such as coach, a teacher or even a spouse.
Then there are other turning points that seemingly crush us under their weight.
Death. Failed relationships. Financial difficulties.
Our experiences, whatever they are, help mold us into the people we become. Hopefully, we learn to appreciate the good, endure the bad and gain wisdom from the lessons life has to offer.
Thankfully, we aren’t relegated to circumstances dictating our destination. Our experiences do indeed impact the people we become, but they don’t have to define us.
God allows us to decide if the experiences we are forced to endure will build us up or tear us down.
Our lives have many paths that lead to the same destination. Sometimes we take the scenic route. At others, there are painful detours. A few people actually do reach their goals with a straight sprint from point A to Z.
Yet, most of us are more likely to walk and even crawl along our way. The fact that we keep moving is all that really counts.
I am reminded, as we transition from one season to another, to allow my turning points to turn me in the right direction.
Sometimes we need to turn away from people, places and even our own negative thoughts. At others, we may need to turn toward God when we find ourselves lost, disoriented and lacking the direction we need to fulfill our purpose.
Take some time to look back on the good and give thanks. Reflect on the negatives and know that they too can serve a purpose.
Make the choice to reassess who you are and what you choose to do.
The change you seek begins with you.
If you’ve made mistakes along the way that’s fine too. Simply acknowledge them and learn from them. It is often the worst of times that eventually allow us to receive God’s very best.
It is faith that enables us to turn away from what was and look toward what can be. Turn toward the Light.
For He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:10-11 NKJV
B Is for Blessed! 
Thank you for this Lilka. Reflecting on the negatives is difficult, but so important. So often they really do serve a purpose, and good does come out of them. God bless!
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Carl. Thanks for stopping by today. Some of the worst times in my life have truly made me a better person. Didn’t feel that way at the time but better nonetheless. Enjoy your weekend 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes the words that hit me were ‘turn toward God’. It is not enough to turn away from things/people/etc., we must turn toward Abba. hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs right back at ya! I’ve gotten the turn away from down pretty, its the running toward God first and always I’m working on 😉
LikeLike
“Turning points” do indeed appear to us.. sometimes all too often.. sometimes not often enough.
But.. no matter which direction the turn may suggest we travel.. with His guidance.. we will turn in the right direction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! 🙂
LikeLike
A very thoughtful post Lilka full of good analysis. Life’s experiences are processed by all people in many different ways. Some are made stronger, some are brought near ruin by what we live. God’s help is one key ingredient for making it through the difficult times. He is also the one we should thank for the good things. Excellent post…
Steve
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Steve. You are so correct, God’s help is indeed what gets us through! B Blessed! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully put Lilka…so long as we keep moving forward and turning towards God…thank you my friend 🙂
LikeLike
You are so welcome Sherri. I have many times felt like I was slowly crawling along the way, especially where the kids are concerned, but when we stick it out God ultimately provides the momentum to get us through our trials. Much peace and love to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He does indeed…much peace and love back to you Lilka, and thank you again for your shining light here in blogland. Your posts never fail to encourage, uplift and strengthen me in that uphill climb… ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Our experiences do indeed impact the people we become, but they don’t have to define us.”
Profound. How often I hear the opposite. And almost always the negative: I can’t do that, I am no good, that’s not me, it always happens to me … I keep thinking of young children who resent and fight boundaries being set on their “freedom to be”. They never fail, they simply have yet to learn how.
Great post Lilka, and lots to ponder. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks you for stopping by today. I’m on the cusp of a turning point and fighting not to become overwhelmed by distractions flung my way. As always preaching to myself first and foremost. 😉 Peace!
LikeLike
Thumbs up icons!!!!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person