I got impatient. With a number of outdoor tasks begging for
my attention, I had grandiose ideas of tackling all of them by dinner time. First
things first, I needed to wash my car. As I got started, I realized it might
take a little longer than I had originally expected.
A quick lunch was followed by a trip to the garage in search
of clippers for my next project. Some shrubs and jasmine were long overdue for
a trim - in fact, they had begun taking over a portion of the driveway and
yard. Tentative at first, I began trimming in earnest as I figured out how to
thin and shape each plant.
Midway into the task, I glanced up in alarm as my husband,
Steve, came around the corner of the house. He had been weed-whacking, and
something had gotten into his eye. Unsure whether he had been bitten by a bug,
or was dealing with a piece of debris, I followed him into the house to help
him flush out his eye.
We were unable to determine what was causing the irritation.
With nothing more I could do for him, I headed back outside to finish my
project - although I could feel my motivation slipping away. The sun was
dipping below the treetops when I was finally finished with the trimming.
Although I had made progress, I looked around the yard at
all the work that remained. The impatience I had experienced earlier in the day
was replaced by discouragement. With both Steve and I working on the yard, it
would still take a number of weeks before it would be finished.
I encountered a lightbulb moment: rather than concentrating solely
on completing the entire project, I could focus on enjoying each step of the
process. The choice was mine. Our yard served as a simple example of many other
areas of my life. How often had I given in to impatience, only satisfied when I
was done with something. By choosing to embrace each step of the way, I could
experience joy along the journey.
The Lord likens life to a race, "Wherefore seeing we
also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside
every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us," (Hebrews 12:1; KJV). How do I
avoid becoming impatient and discouraged? By focusing on the Savior,
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." (Hebrews
12:2).
Does a project have to be completed in order for you to
experience joy? Will you choose to relish each of life's moments today, so you
can find joy along the journey?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I
can run the race You've given me with patience. Help me choose to look to You
each step of the way so I can experience joy on my journey. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!
