Breathe

Sometimes the thoughts in my head, the ideas I have, the things I want to do or say… all scream at me, jumping up and down. I can see them: “Pick me! Pick me!”   “No. Do me first!”  And they’re all so exciting. I love them, and they are all so amazing.

So, I work in a flurry, dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s. I hate half-ended jobs! Don’t you? Work. Work. Work. But, it’s not work, because I love it! Right? You know what I mean, don’t you?

Then, suddenly, it is 1:00 in the morning. Dogs are asleep. Cat is asleep. Husband is asleep. Pandora is bouncing the message “are you still listening?”   NO. I am not. I’m trying to finish here! But, ooooo. Some Rod Stewart tunes would be really nice…  Squirrel!   (JK).

The flurry is on for tomorrow too. Those who know me, know that I hate to get up early, yet in order to do my personal development/devotions/quiet time/coffee sipping/back porch time, and get in 18 holes, and work on my challenge group… UGH. I’ll have to get up early!

Breathe…

Seriously, sometimes it’s like this, but then sometimes it’s like…. *crickets*… Where did the momentum go!!!??? All those impressive ideas are still waving at me… Why is it so easy to fall in the squat?  Have you ever heard that phrase? Can you picture it?  Can you picture that cake that is just about to rise to perfection, then suddenly…fffluuump… it falls in the squat! It usually happens during that upward motion. That’s when gravity is working it’s hardest. Analogy: That’s when the enemy sees defeat is near. This person… this nobody… is about to rise!  Attack! Suddenly there is confusion. There are obstacles: a migraine, a flat tire, a hater hating on you!

If we can recognize the timing – I’m half-a-century old so I’ve seen this – nay – I’ve experienced this so many times.  The prize is right there. Things are working out. It’s all falling in place, and there’s a flurry of action. We’re on a high… then fffflllump…. a hole…a dry spot…

When the excitement wans and the adrenaline lapses, that doesn’t mean the goal has changed. it doesn’t mean your pursuit is no longer valid. It doesn’t mean God has left you!  It means you must walk by faith and not by sight – or feel – or touch. You are walking because you know the truth. You were meant to live for so much more. Don’t lose yourself (thanks Switchfoot). Don’t fall in the squat! Push on up. But what if I fail? What if they laugh at me? What if they criticize me!

Aristotle said: The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.

That is simply not acceptable.

Breathe. Stay focused. Now simply walk it out. Focus over a long period of time equals results.

Right on. Right on.