Accountability

Yesterday’s high in DFW was 87 degrees, and it was most likely our last day in the 80’s for the rest of the year. From here on out, the days are predicted to be cooler. I cannot go back to the 80's for a season - not until next year.

This week, two of my young adult loved ones had car wrecks. One vehicle was mangled, and one vehicle was hit by a deer who took off the mirror. Both of my loved ones are alive. One is recovering from injuries, and one is sore. Both wrecks could have had different and much worse outcomes. One thing is for certain: it was not God's appointed days for them to move to Heaven, and we are thankful they are still here with us to live out the purposes God has for their lives.

I do not know when my last day on earth will be (only God does), but I know for sure that my life is over the halfway mark. Maybe, I'm in my life's "autumn" season. Realizing the hot summer days are over here in Texas, and being faced with thoughts of what could have been worse outcomes of the vehicle wrecks has caused me to think on counting my days.

How do you define "accountability"? This week, I heard a simple definition that makes it easy to understand.

“Accountability is the ability to count, and wisdom teaches us to number our days.” -Brian J. Dixon

These truths were given in our weekly author meeting taught by Brian J. Dixon, CEO of Hope*Books Publishing (the company I’m working with to write my book.) It’s the first time I have heard “accountability” defined this way.

To number my days means I must be cognizant of what day it is and aware of the possible number of days I might have left on earth to glorify the Lord with my life.

A good steward exercises accountability which includes acknowledgment, assessment, appointment, accounting, and action to bring achievement.

Acknowledgment:

Where am I?

Assessment:

What has been profitable?

What is problematic?

Appointment:

What do I do with my assessment?

Appoint the Holy Spirit to give you peace about next steps.

Appoint times to next steps.

Appoint tasks to certain days.

Appoint an accountability partner to help you in your progress.

Action:

Take step. Show up. Do it.

Develop habit.

Repeat.

Repeat.

Repeat.

Accounting:

Give an account to God consistently about progress, remembering He is a God of grace!

Give an account on a regular basis to a trusted person who understands your goals.

Achievement:

Recognize your wins however small they may be.

Reward yourself in a small but meaningful way when you've reached a certain goal.

Rest in the reward of seeking to be a good steward of the Lord.

This can be applied to any area of life. AsChristians, we are commanded to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us and of the opportunities that are within His will. God has gifted me with words and music. It is in God's interest for me to be stewarding these gifts well - not according to how man thinks my gifts should be used, but according to God's will and God's timing. Seasons are designed by God, as well. Sometimes, our gifts may not be in the spring season, but dormantly waiting on God to change the season.

If we do not determine where we are in our giftings or opportunities, we cannot assess our condition or situation. The Holy Spirit is our ever-present Helper as we assess and then plan steps to act on.

What do you need to count and measure in your life? Begin with your days and add in your gifts. What might the Lord want to accomplish through you that will bring Him glory? Our days are appointed by God. What we do with them is our God-given choice. Let us number our days and live wisely.

Counting my blessings and my days,

Jeri Lynn