For many Christians, Easter is a time to reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of rebirth, new life, new beginnings and making sacrifices or fasting from worldly cares such as many Christians do during the time of Lent which culminates at the Easter celebration.
A video called "Starting Today" focuses on how we can each change our life today because Jesus Christ left his tomb behind and was Resurrected. Through the Atonement of Christ, we are all able to make life changing decisions regardless of our past and our circumstances.
Starting today, here are some simple choices you can make to change your life in a big way.
Let go of negative feelings toward those who have hurt or wronged you.
Part of making your life better is letting go of thoughts and feelings that do not bring you peace and happiness. Forgiving another person who has hurt you or someone you love does not mean that person is right or excuse him from what he did. But, it will allow you the freedom from the power those feelings had over you. Not forgiving someone does not hurt the wrong-doer, but it does hurt you. It may help you forgive to think of circumstances that may have led the offender to the choices he made, just as your life has influenced your decisions.
Recognize wrongs and say sorry to those you have hurt.
Be willing to admit when you've made a wrong decision. If your choices have hurt someone else, sincerely apologize and try to right the wrong. This can help you be more compassionate and thoughtful toward others. Mistakes are part of human nature, but when we know better, we do better.
Repent as needed.
Along with saying sorry comes repentance. The definition of repent is "to turn from sin" or "to change one's mind." Repentance requires change. When you have repented, you have changed your life, turned away from past wrong choices and have started anew. Sometimes repentance requires apologies and restitution. Other times, it takes place in the heart and mind. As you turn your life away from darkness and draw closer to the light, your life can improve.
Change the course of your life by taking a new path, perhaps even the road less traveled.
If you don't like the direction your life is heading, take a new path. Make a U-turn if necessary. Step on the brakes and reevaluate when needed. You can never travel so far that you can't change your course. Whether it's sin, bad influences, a situation or circumstance, you always have the choice to stop, turn, go back or make a new choice to lead you on a better path.
Start over again and again and again.
Change takes time. If you aren't happy with yesterday, today is a new day. If today didn't go the way you had hoped, tomorrow is a fresh start. Breaking old habits, turning away from sin and righting wrongs can take time and patience. Don't get discouraged by a lack of perfection! Pick yourself up and start again tomorrow. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither were you. You haven't failed as long as you keep working toward your goal. Seek God's help making life improvements.
As the aforementioned video shows, we can each restart, re-look, reroute, reconcile, repair, repent, reevaluate, and reassess our lives daily. The Master's hand can reshape and rebuild our lives from mistakes, sorrows and pains. This is made possible through the Atonement and Resurrection. It is for everyone regardless of race, gender, beliefs, circumstance or what they may or may not have done. Starting today, what will you do to make your life better? What should you change today?
