I apologize for the week delay in getting out a new post. Thanks to those of you who are reading this, I hope it proves helpful. Many of you may know that Meg and I are expecting our third child in June. As we are preparing for her arrival, there are a variety of things to get done now. For example, we need to get the room ready, crib set up, etc. Well, we have had some friends and family come share in the fun of removing the wallpaper in our spare room as part of the prepping process. A special thanks to all of them!
On Saturday, I was given the task (I mean privilege) to finish the work of wallpaper removal. Personally, I need to have the proper mind set to begin such a challenge. If you have ever removed wallpaper before you know the drill:
A. Spray the wall with some type of liquid to begin the removal process.
B. Wait.
C. Scrape or begin the removal process… spray again
D. Start all over again…
Problem: I did not have the patience to complete letter B. I would wait a few minutes, but then usually began the nitpick process of pulling off small strips little by little. As I moved across the 2-3 foot section, I would come towards the end and then I would get a large section to come off fairly easily. It took me a minute, but I realized that If I waited for a longer period of time, that it might come off easier. I wonder if that is how God sees us… we want to rush, move, respond, react, and fill our minds with busyness. However, at times God requires us to be patient. He sees what we cannot. If I could have seen the results of waiting and being patient, I might have picked up on it sooner. But in the end I realized my patience and trust in the liquid product would takes its toll on the wallpaper and loosen it up for me.
The Apostle Paul wrote this to his letter to the Philippians, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Did you hear that? The truth that God will finish the work in each of us that He began… Two questions come to mind. First, have you opened your heart to Jesus and allowed His Spirit to begin working? Second, are you being patient on the Lord to continue the work He started? To allow the truth of His word to saturate your heart and begin to remove the “wallpaper” of our sinful nature in order to be filled in Him.
Patient people are always an encouragement to me. In order to succeed at most things you must be patient. I have found this to be true in sports, music, and even removing old wallpaper. I am going to work to be more patient. I want to allow God to continue the work He started in me. I hope to do my best not to rush the process. I hope you know him today!
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Patience in sports is a must! When an athlete can see the "Big Picture" then they don't have to feel that a poor performance is their last. The season is probably for months. Coaches train to get their athletes to peak at states, regionals, nationals etc. There are even years to consider. Girls develop earlier physically than boys- possibly giving them an earlier advantage and quicker success. Sometimes it may take outlasting the teammates to get one to the top. With injuries, attitudes, finances... only a small percentage of athletes even are capable of competing at a high school of college level. Patience in training can be motivated by the future goals. The small accomplishments today can remind them that the goal is still attainable! I am glad the joy in my christian walk does not have to end with setbacks of sin. The eternal perspective of heaven motivates me to pursue holiness today.
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