Ambitious goals set at the beginning of the year languish somewhere between well executed and “did I say that?” I suspect the well-executed are in the vast minority.
Some of us who made resolutions or set priorities are looking at this midyear point and assessing our progress. There are things I have not come anywhere close to accomplishing. However, there are others—thanks to the grace of God—that I’m ahead of schedule.
Per the adage, If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans, I have probably evoked more than a chuckle or two. The issue with setting goals is that when we don’t accomplish them in the amount of time we consider reasonable, we can become filled with regret and defeat.
Yet, God’s timing isn’t our timing. “A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night,” Psalm 90:4 NKJV
Our perception of time is unlike our Father’s. Consequently, I’ve slowly learned patience through the years. I also learned that we are often closer to reaching our goals than we perceive. We tend to focus on our faults, but our Father is pleased by our faith when we press toward those things He set in our hearts. Our limited vision often falls far short of the larger picture that is God’s viewpoint.
I challenge you not to regret what you have yet to accomplish but instead be grateful for whatever progress you have made. Gratitude is often a catalyst for change. In those seasons when we struggle to stay sane and keep it together, survival is also worthy of celebration.
Don’t grow weary, stay the course. Whatever we need, God will provide.
In His time.
Love bears all things, such as a cross.
The ice pictured here was photographed a few years ago in Alaska. It was so clean and clear because it lacked the impurities found elsewhere. Likewise, we need to get away to obtain that same sense of clarity in our mind and spirit. The chatter of people, things, and social media can cause us to forget our purpose and pull us away from the very things God tasks us to do.
We receive salvation by grace. Yet, I’ve learned that peace of mind and clarity of purpose require effort on my part. Solitude renews my mind. Silence allows me to hear God. I’ve finally learned to sit down and be still which generates a fruitfulness that running around like crazy never produced.
As Jesus fulfilled His promise to the disciples, God fulfills His promises to us. Jesus lay in a tomb separated from those who loved him before He was glorified before the Father. Maybe we must endure some dark places as well in preparation for the very miracles we seek to receive.
Spring, new blooms and the Easter Season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect time to renew our minds and spring forward in whatever manner “forward” means for you.
B Is for Blessed! 