By Brenda Cannon Henley
Two things happened early this morning, the first Monday of 2015 that made me begin to think of a subject I had not done much research on in the past. I knew the term “creatures of habit,” but never really spent quality time thinking about it until today. Why do we do what we do? This can apply to the physical or spiritual portions of our lives. We turn to or feel most comfortable in our safe zones — whatever we may know or do best. We like to remain where we feel comfortable or safe and we find difficulty in venturing out into the unknown. Man resists change in many cases. And, often, by resisting change, we limit our successes, our adventures, and our great benefits. Perhaps the change was a direct result of the hand of God on our lives, and yet, we claimed we were just fine where
we were.

I have lived a year that brought change in almost every area of my life, and while I don’t point out my life as a good example, I had to learn to roll with it. Many years ago because of my great love of the sea, I coined a phrase, “Ride with the tide, brave the wave, and hopefully, land on the sand.” It has meant several things to me, but I know that what I am saying is that life happens. Deal with it. Go with the flow.

“Research has shown that it takes 31 days of conscious effort to make or break a habit. That means if one practices something consistently for 31 days, on the 32nd day it does become a habit. Information has been internalized into behavioral change, which is called transformation.” I had to ask God often in the past five months to help me accept change, deal with it, internalize it into my everyday life, and move forward. I thank God for friends like Melvin Elkins, whom my editor sent me to interview more than a dozen years ago now to write a story for The Examiner. I have done several writings since that time on Melvin and have grown to love him as a mainstay of my life. He is a remarkable, award-winning salesperson, a devoted Christian and husband to wife Faye, and a Gideon, as well as a wonderful church member.

When I am having a bad day, or facing new challenges and great change in my life, you can bet your best Texas boots, there will be a call from Melvin either on my answering machine or on the line. He says simply, “I love you, Miss Brenda, and want you to know the Lord put you on my heart today, and I am praying for you. Now, let us have a short word of prayer.” No lengthy sermons, seldom any advice, just unconditional love, and honest prayer in my behalf. Everyone needs a Melvin Elkins in their life and I am glad God sent mine by way of Don Dodd and an assignment. Melvin has helped me through this year of change, as have many other friends.

But back to why I thought about creatures of habit in the first place today. Both things are super simple, but hold deep roots in my heart and soul. I was putting away a Christmas sweater that I had been given and I noticed the little tag where the manufacturing gives you an extra “when-you-need-it-most” button in a cellophane envelope. I carefully cut it off and put it in my sewing box. Why? I will probably never touch it again until I clean the box out the next time, but my Mama Cole was thrifty and never threw anything good away because she might need it again. I read an email from a dear friend in Florida, Jan Grubbs Beasley, and she had written almost the same story about her life and gifts.

Secondly, I opened a new bottle of Welch’s grape jelly. I buy it for the grandkids because it is easy to just squirt the jelly onto a piece of bread or their breakfast plates. Lo and behold, it took me back more than six decades to when my Mama Cole stood for hours squeezing beautiful grapes that my granddaddy grew. She carefully boiled the grapes and then strained the juice through well-washed pillowslips (as she called them) to get only the purest and best for her family. That good juice was delicious jelly in its last stage. How I longed for one jar of her homemade grape jelly.

As we begin this New Year of 2015, it is so important that we develop good habits for ourselves and for our children, but for all those that we affect in life. I believe it is a good time to have a long time of thinking, meditation, developing purpose. What things do we need to change? What habits are wise to keep?

Happy New Year to each of our faithful readers and thank you for your constant support and good wishes.

(This article published 1/5/2015)

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, at
[email protected], or by using the contact form below.

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