Each Step of the Way

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!

Progress - One Day at a Time

The list is long. A compilation of home projects that need to be addressed. Some are simple tasks that my husband and I can handle, others require getting several estimates and hiring the experts. Over the last few weeks, we've been able to check a few things off our master list.

I'm anxiously awaiting the day when we can call in the paint crew. My favorite projects are the ones that make the biggest impact. You know, getting the house painted, or doing some dramatic landscaping. But we're not there yet. The projects we've focused on so far, are the more practical ones. Cleaning out our pond so the water can flow freely. And having several massive trees taken down to avoid any potential damage to our home.

As we work down our list, there are several more practical things that need to be taken care of before we'll finally be able to concentrate on the projects that create the 'wow' factor. Things like replacing the garage door opener. And having the sprinkler system fixed. Details that may go unnoticed by passers-by, but are important nonetheless. In spite of these seemingly 'ho-hum' projects, my husband and I know that progress is being made.

My spiritual life is very similar. I'm a work in progress. And the Lord is the Master Builder. He knows when repair work is needed, and He addresses the heart of each issue in just the right order. Oftentimes I'm impatient, wanting that fresh coat of 'paint' in order to impress others, when what I really need is an overhaul in my attitude. I want Him to hurry up and move on to the next 'project,' but my Heavenly Father reminds me that His desire is for true transformation - from the inside, out. He whispers, "Be still, and know that I am God," (Psalms 46:10a; KJV).

God's Word is a lifeline of truth. The Apostle Peter gives clear instructions for growth, "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby," (1 Peter 2:1-2). When I have a heart to read and study the Bible, growth is the direct result. The goal is evident, I'm to, "...grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," (2 Peter 3:18).

The process may be slow and tedious at times, but satisfaction comes from knowing that there IS progress. I AM growing. His Word offers me proof, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ," (Philippians 1:6). He WILL be faithful to do His part in the transformation process. With His help, I'm determined to allow Him to complete the work He has so graciously begun!

Are you willing to let God have access to the 'projects' that need to be addressed in your life? What do you need to do today to see growth take place?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know You desire true transformation in my life. Help me to be patient with the process when it gets difficult, and to listen and be obedient when You call for me to make changes. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.