Recently I was talking with a lady and she was telling me that she didn’t know when she was going to get such-and-such done. She felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day and she didn’t even feel like doing it.
As I listened, I understood her perspective. If I could pick, I’d simply not do some things in life. I’d pick and choose what I enjoy and forget everything else. But the truth of the matter is that life doesn’t work that way and bemoaning the fact doesn’t make it any easier. It’s not that I don’t understand and haven’t been there myself, it’s just that how you think about something makes all the difference in the world!
So I encouraged her that instead of determining whether or not she felt like it, to take hold of her responsibility in the situation and figure out how to accomplish it. The truth of the matter is we often dread the silliest things. They really aren’t as bad as we make them out to be in our imagination.
Take Responsibility
When you take responsibility for things, you will notice a shift. You gain a level of sturdy resolve that you didn’t have before. Instead of pondering your feelings, you get down to the meat and potatoes of the situation and figure out how to make it happen.
There will always be challenges in life, they are what help us grow. And the better we face them, the less conflicting they become. Each challenge strengthens us for the next one. We build momentum and strength and have the potential to accomplish incredible things that we wouldn’t have considered even a possibility before.
I admire people who take responsibility in their life, I really do. But let me caution you to take it appropriately. You can’t help other people. Their lack of investment in a situation – unless they are under your authority – is not a reflection of anyone but themselves.
If I have an employee that isn’t shaping up, it is my job as their work authority to require more of them. But it is also my job to send them on their way if they are not willing to deliver. I am not responsible for other people’s actions, simply my response to their actions. This balance can be hard when we care for others. But part of caring is holding a high standard.
Hold A High Standard
In all things aim as high as you can. When you figure out how to do better, aim even higher! We are surrounded by averages in so many things. Average family size, graduate percentage, income, home ownership, etc. In averages, things seem to have a way of going to the lowest common denominator. Never aim for average.
Instead, ask God how to be the best you can be for Him. This isn’t about impressing others or being better than them, it is simply about giving God your best in all areas. Even when things are challenging and days are long, figure out how to bring your best. Pray, ask God for endurance, find time to rest and refuel so you can do even better.
We are not called to a life of laziness, but rather excellence. This doesn’t mean we have to work all the time with no pause or enjoyment. But rather, what our hands find to do, do it with all our might, as to the Lord not unto men. When we work for God, we have no excuse or variance on bringing our best – because He is God! This really is the very least we can do!
Accomplish the Task
A job half done is not done. We must figure out how to accomplish the task and finish the race well. Though we rarely know all the details, God is amazing to show us the next step in what He has for us to do. If you were sitting across from me right now I’d reassure you of this. I am no genius, but of this I am certain: He will direct your steps if you will submit to Him. And those dreams you have, He will bring them – or something even better – to pass! Hold on, keep the faith, and accomplish the task at hand.
If we didn’t have struggles, we wouldn’t grow stronger. If we didn’t have disappointments, we wouldn’t turn towards God. Yes, we should definitely praise Him on the mountaintops, but it is in the valley where we really realize all He is to us.
Strengthen yourself in the Lord and figure out how to accomplish what He has set before you. Sometimes it is the most menial tasks that teach us the most and help us reach the heights of which we are capable! Courage, dear friend, God has the perfect track record, He will make a way.
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2023/05/31/do-the-work-2/