Determination

Tommy was just a few months old here playing Dog Brick, a toy we'd bought to challenge his mind. We were told it would be good for his development. 

His nose told him the treats were there, if he could only figure out how to get them. He had to think of how to get the blocks out of the way.  Once he did, he could slide the cover over and voila! The treat was his for the taking.   

I find the same situation in my own life.  There are some things I know I'd enjoy if I could just get rid of the obstacles in the way.  It may be a closer relationship with God, or a greater sense of purpose. Whatever it is, I have to determine what's in my way, then figure out how to either move it, go around it, or get rid of it. 

It may be easier said than done. But, if I really want it, I'll persevere until I get it--no matter what it takes. Like Tommy, I'll get all the blocks out of the way and the end result. And the process could just be good for my development.

Can you relate? Is there anything you’d like in your life, but there are obstacles in the way that you can eliminate or get around to reach your goal? Could the process be worth it?  

Beauty, Part 3

It takes time for beauty to appear the way a gardener envisions it.  Planting the flower required preparation of the soil, and providing it with water, and food on a regular basis. My goal is for it to add to the overall picture of the garden, or perhaps become part of a bouquet.  

In either case, growth is part of the process. No longer does it look like the bulb I planted originally. Though it's not reached the ultimate goal I have for it,  it’s growth is clear. It needs time to fully mature, but it’s well on its way. 

I’m in the same boat when it comes to God’s plan for my life.  I’ve grown as a result of the nurture and care He has provided, largely through others.  I haven’t “arrived”, but I know He will continue to mold and shape me to be more like Him. He is, after all, the Master Gardener.

How about you?  How has God worked in your life to mold and shape you to mirror His image? Don’t forget to join the conversation.

  

One Step At A Time

 

Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I Psalm 61:2

Camp was always a lot of fun. For years, I went rock-climbing and rappelling. The belayer, tied into the rock at the top, was secured with specific knots to ensure safety. The person scaling the rock before the climb begins, the belayer and the climber communicate to make sure each is ready. “On belay?” “Belay’s on.” “Climbing?” “Climb!”

I began to climb, looking for and grabbed hold of handholds and footholds to pull myself up. Sometimes I had to jamb my hand or foot in a crack, secure it, and shift my weight to hoist myself up. Keeping in mind my goal was to reach the top motivated me to continue up the rock, despite the periodic scrapes and bruises along the way.

It often looked impossible because I saw nowhere to place my feet or hands. But, the belayer and those at the bottom had a different perspective and they could see the bigger picture. They suggested other possible routes for me to take. Following their direction allowed me to reach the top, eventually.

Only years later did I realize how this situation is akin to my life. Many times, I set out toward a goal and have a plan to get there but can’t do it alone. God uses people with a different, bigger perspective to help me along the way. Listening to them gives me the support I need and encourages me to persevere, taking it one step at a time.

If your goal seems out of reach, or you can’t see how to get there, look to God and seek His path for your life. He alone can see the big picture and will lead you in the right direction.