It’s just past the halfway point of 2017. That means the calendar provides us with a good excuse to assess where we are in our individual journey. Have things gone as planned? Have you already reached your goals for the year and setting your sights ever higher? If so, that is fantastic. Congratulations. This blog/article is not for you. Thanks for reading; feel free to check out some of my other musings… 😉
If you are still with me, though, you and I find ourselves in a similar situation: Some things have popped up that have knocked us off the path. We’ve fallen behind on those goals or, if you are like me, you’ve barely started on some of your dreams for 2017. Not to worry; in my own assessment of the year thus far, I was able to remind myself of a couple of principles that we can use to help us get back on track.
The first principle is my favorite. It’s something I’ve used throughout my life and it’s actually a big part of who I am. I’m talking about persistence. As one of my virtual mentors, Andy Andrews, is fond of saying: If God has put a vision in you about what your life is supposed to look like, do you really think He would let you down? In fact, doesn’t God have a better imagination than you? I’m pretty sure He does. So, doesn’t God likely see greater results for you than you can see for yourself?
But wait, you say. There are some major obstacles in the way, many of which you didn’t see or expect at the time you had this dream and established the goal. What am I supposed to do then, Mr. Shaven Raven?
I tell you what you need to do with those obstacles: IGNORE THEM.
Let me clarify. I don’t mean for you to pretend they aren’t there. If it is a real and bona fide obstacle, you’ve got to deal with it. Some obstacles you can plow right thru; some you have to climb over, dig under, or go around. What I am saying is that while you are climbing your way over the obstacle, don’t look down to see how far you have come and certainly don’t look up to see how far you have to go. Just. Keep. Climbing.
In other words, Persist Without Exception.
But of course, we are human. There are many times when we come upon an obstacle and we stop dead in our tracks. We look it up and down. It seems insurmountable. It seems as if there is no way around it. We “give up.”
Well, we don’t really give up. We still have the dream; we still have the vision. Our progress slows to a crawl. We eventually get angry with ourselves or even with the obstacle itself. This is where the second principle comes into play and it might even be the key to persistence…
Forgiveness.
Now, when it comes to outside forces or other people that may be getting in our way, forgiveness can be particularly tricky for some of us. However, I have found that if I focus on two simple facts, forgiving others becomes easier.
First, I try to remember that every person (everyone!) is made in the image and likeness of God. We are all children of God in one way or another. As a Catholic myself, I further know that God forgives our sins. So if God is willing to forgive those people that have wronged me, how can I honestly hold on to my own anger and resentment? After all, doesn’t a famous prayer say, “…as we forgive those who trespass against us…”???
Second, God may have a very good reason for putting this obstacle in my way. Maybe this trial is a test or maybe, God is using this obstacle to slow me down and keep me from making an even bigger mistake. We all are aware of the phrase, “If it were so easy, everyone would do it.” I tend to believe God is testing our persistence with many of the things He allows to get in our way. It helps me to remember that He is ultimately in charge.
For some of us, though, the biggest obstacle we may face is ourselves. That is definitely true for me. I am constantly thinking of things I should or shouldn’t have done, actions (or lack thereof) that have kept me from advancing the ball. I beat myself up, get down on myself, and stop my own progress. Admittedly, I am not very good at forgiving myself. However, I am hereby resolving to do a better job of stepping back and doing just that. I give you the authority to do the same. 😉
Persistence and Forgiveness. I believe they go hand in hand. Here’s to knowing that you and I can get back on track in the second half of the year using these two principles on a daily basis! #DreamBig2017