Cheers to Being a Work in Progress
Several years ago, I was in a small group for a spiritual retreat called Solum Ora. The other ladies in my group and I messaged each other in between meetings to keep the momentum going from one week to the next. One phrase that started and has stuck with me since that time is, “We are all a work in progress…the important point is to focus on the progress.”
Some of my friends have heard me say that I’m a work in progress. I love reassuring other people that they are too. Reassuring them reassures me! Acknowledging that I am a work in progress gives me hope that I can be better, it motivates me to know that there’s growth potential in me, and it gives me pardon for all the times I do mess up.
Because there are no coincidences (they should be called God-incidences), I couldn’t help but thank God for a friend who suggested a book to me this week. As I was praying about what to write, this friend literally delivered supporting text. I’ll try to sum it up: Each one of us humanly desires to be better. We were not meant for mediocrity because that would go against God’s great plan for each one of us. We all desire something greater for ourselves. We may long to improve our relationships, improve our prayer life, improve our physique, our work-life balance…you name it. The main reason that many of us fail to achieve those goals is that we focus too much on the end outcome. We desire to be at the finish line right after starting the race. We forget that it takes putting one foot in front of the other to get from the start line to the finish. When we fail to see the small steps and progress that we’re making along the way, we get discouraged and oftentimes end our efforts for improvement or go back to old behaviors.
Now, at the close of the church year, is both a great time to reflect back and a wonderful time to look ahead. The church year begins with the first Sunday of Advent to prepare our hearts for the most humble birth of a Savior. We begin our year by waiting. Preparing. Anticipating. How will Advent allow you to be a work in progress? Hold on to that hope that you can do better, know there’s growth potential in you, and be kind to yourself when you do make mistakes.
I have an assignment from the Advent small group I’m currently in: What is the one area of my heart that I need God the most? (Gulp.) That’s a big question. I’m trusting this prayer will help me figure it out:
Lord, I know your gaze is upon me. May my eyes be set on you. Allow this Advent to be different. Allow me to have the grace to prepare my heart for you.
May I offer this one area to you, so that it may be enjoined with you so that I may heal.
On my own I cannot heal, but with you, I can make progress. Allow me to be a work in progress, and always willing to be dependent on you. Amen.
