Meditation: “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”
Psalm 116:7
This winter has been more brutal than I would have liked…that makes two harsh winters in a row. This is not what we had in mind when moving back to North Carolina. Of course harsh winters are plagued with frequent visits to the kitchen and couch, moments of sickness, the holidays, and less visits to the gym. I have indeed consistently made it back to the gym, and I am looking forward to the spring and summer months with great anticipation for so many reasons (none of which includes putting on a bathing suit). I will, however, rejoice at every opportunity that I get to the gym.
While thinking and praying for this upcoming season, I find myself taking one small step at a time as I chart through several unfamiliar waters. I just finished reading a book entitled Building a Bridge as You Walk on It, and quickly realized that is exactly what I am doing! In my time of mediation and reflection, I thought about several significant accomplishments and realized that none of them were accomplished overnight. Each of them required much prayer, preparation, training, planning, and execution. Throughout that process, I celebrated small victories along the way.
While working at the Naval Academy, interested high school students would often ask about my academic major as an undergraduate student. Sometimes I would respond, “I majored in Graduation.” While I was indeed joking, there was certainly some truth to my humor. As a college freshman, the thought of graduation or “the light at the end of the tunnel” was overwhelming. I didn’t seriously consider graduation options until several months into my senior year. Prior to that, I prepared and looked forward to the next assignment, holiday leave period, Spring Break, or summer training. Slowly but surely, I did complete tasks and moved on to lay the next plank on the bridge that certainly led to graduation. At the end of each accomplishment, there was a reward – a time of refreshment and renewal to recharge my batteries so that I could start again.
Without a second thought, I find myself doing the same thing in my current studies. After I turn in an assignment, I take a day off or at least minimize my studies for a couple days. Sometimes, I even treat myself to lunch with a girlfriend, a movie with my husband, a milkshake or chocolate chip cookie (or several), and then I get going on the path to somewhere.
Sometimes, we lose sight of our vision and goals simply because we burnout before reaching the finish line. Take pit stops along the way to rest, reflect, and recharge your batteries. Celebrate your small wins.
What do you do to give yourself a boost?
© Natasha L. Robinson 2011
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A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
Thanks for this! If we as Jesus-followers can’t take joy in a journey where we know things are being woven together for our good, something is off, and we need to recalibrate. I’m working on integrating my life, as you know, and appreciate your thoughts here, sister.
Indeed Suzanne. I’m trying to learn the value of rest and sleep. 🙂 Speaking to myself and as well as others. 🙂
Yes, yes. Small steps, small wins. As I work on losing weight, I would love to lose lots fast. But it doesn’t happen. So I celebrate each pound lost. And every time I return from a trip and haven’t regained a pound, a rejoice again.
Amen, Judy. Celebrating one step and one small victory at a time and building a bridge as we walk on it.