Have you ever bought something which required assembly? I don’t know about you, but my usual is to rip open the box, set the instructions to the side, somewhat organize the parts, and begin. More times than not, I get to the end of the project and have an “oh crap” moment because there are pieces left or the holes are facing the wrong way. There I am frustrated and taking it all back apart just to then go by the directions that were given to me from the beginning. Life as a Christian is so much like that scenario for me. Do it again until it is right.
When I got serious about being back in the gym and eating right to gain weight, everything was going even better than I expected. I was well on track to reach my end goal. My workout routine and diet were working just fine. Then I got arrogant. I slacked for a week. During which time I felt awful, physically and mentally. I knew I had to go back to what had been working for me and I was going to have to stay with it. I did and almost instantly felt better, like seriously the first night back at it. My diet and workouts had to become part of my life in such a way that it wasn’t an option to step away for a break. I was almost mad that feeling better was so instant because honestly, even though I felt better, it is such effort.
This simple gym scenario applies throughout life really. You take detours in life thinking there is an easier path or that you have worked hard enough for long enough that you deserve a break, a vacation from life and work. God has a funny way of looping us back to the beginnings and saying to us to do it again, and again, and again. You get the point. I used to think repentance was a one time shot that we get, but it isn’t. To repent, to turn and go in the opposite and right direction, it is continual. In my experience, I have even started back at the beginning of something multiple times in a day.
I have thought a lot about where I am and where I want to go in life. I am so good at listening to God or a mentor with great advise in the beginning of things. Inevitably, I always choose to run ahead at some point in the process, thinking I have mastered whatever I am working on or toward. It is a flaw and hopefully I will eventually learn to harness this about myself and choose to stick to what is working, what is proving to work in the present situation.
The words “bloom where you are planted” have been loud and clear in my thoughts, in sermons, and in my current Bible studies. I do not want to bloom where I am though. I want to go somewhere else and bloom so I argue my point with God and stomp my foot like I’m 4. I know I won’t win the battle. I will halt everything in all areas of my life that I am working on and seeing results. Yes, I am that much of a brat. While I was not studying, growing, eating healthy and working out, I colored, went out with friends, watched TV and was lazy. Talk about not blooming!
I truly believe God places us where he wants us and if we will apply ourselves He will provide what we need to grow so that we can then move to the ultimate place he has for us. The place where dreams begin to come true. I like things quick, fast and in a hurry. I hate the grinding and waiting. Apparently that loops me back to beginnings again and again so I have decided I hate them even more. Not fresh beginnings, I like those. Just not the ones that I have began fifty times already. And I have grown tired of wandering around my own personal desert. I decided to continue digging in, grinding, and getting things done.
Most of the time I am sure that we would stay the course much better if we knew the end result was going to be what we wanted or at least an outcome that we would like. But then I ask where the faith is in that. My mind goes to Job and his choice to keep the faith and that God has never asked me to walk through a valley that even comes close to Job’s.
Then there is the noise all around us. The things and people that beg for our attention. The “friends” with the advice that we haven’t even asked for; saying we should or shouldn’t do this or that. It is exhausting at times to keep moving forward with all the tugging to go in a different direction than what we are going. Yes, we even do it to ourselves with social media, Netflix binges, and approved cheat days. I am not saying to not have those things in moderation. However, if the noise of the world gets to be too loud, I suggest unplugging from anything or anyone that is causing that distraction. I have disconnected again from social media and already feel the positive energy flow from having done so. Now, it is time to do it again; to do the work that is required to get to the place where dreams live. Until that time, we will grow and become what we need to be for whatever future is waiting.
“All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”
Walt Disney
For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
Habakkuk 2:3
it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.
Just Shae It 