For several years my father fought off the idea he needed a hearing aid. My dad, a beast of a man, is the epitome of the phrase “get her done.” Growing up, I remember there wasn’t a thing my father couldn’t do. He built stand-alone roofs on his own, hauled sacks of cement like rags, and worked non-stop until the work was complete.

I also remember working with him on many remodeling and building projects. He would take the saw or power tool and grind away. Whenever I would work with him, I would attempt to protect my hearing by covering my ears. “Come on. Hold that with both hands.” he’d say, somewhat frustrated. Eventually, I told him I couldn’t work that way and that I needed ear protection. He agreed, and after that, I used protective gear when working with him, but he often did not use any.

Fast forward twenty years later, and he now finds himself needing a hearing aid. He realized this a few years ago when it became more difficult to make out what people said when they spoke. A few years ago, he attempted to use an over the ear device but hated how it looked and tossed them. Now, he faced the reality of needing to use one.

As we spoke about when and the possible reasons he started to lose his hearing, he mentioned heredity and work. The more he thought about his situation, the more he leaned toward his job as a likely source. Woking as an industrial welder, he says he remembered the deafening sound of banging metal and crushing machinery. He said that back then, businesses were not as proactive about employee health or well-being.

He then continued to work in similar jobs over the years and says he believes the damage from sustained loud noises and lack of appropriate protection more than likely led to his hearing loss. Today he’s come to terms with his hearing loss and accepts responsibility for his part. However, he’s also taking the necessary steps to make the best of his situation.

What I love about my dad is how he takes responsibility for his decisions. He doesn’t let a lousy decision weigh him down or fault others. What’s more, he takes what he has and makes the best of it, always moving forward. Scripture tells us we must do the same. Don’t let bad decisions dictate the direction of your life.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Isaiah 43:19.

Pray:

What bad decisions are weighing you down? Pray and ask God for forgiveness and a new direction.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Take accountability for your situation and then give this issue to God. Also, determine how you will take deliberate steps to move forward.

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.