The New Awaits. . .Take That First Step

Taking a box full of 1000+ pieces created to fit together perfectly to form a beautiful scene – Overwhelming

Standing at the start line of a long run with many miles lying ahead – Defeating

Approaching a fork in the road in a career decision feeling pulled in both directions – Disturbing

Waking up to another day of choices which shape the little people in the home – Daunting

Living up to the title of husband/wife/spouse remaining strong in the difficult times – Exhausting

Life presents negative emotions weaving into each moment.  The glass sits in front of our eyes; we hold the power to choose, half empty or half full?  Outlook determines Outcome. 

Beginning to place one piece at a time together, focusing on the simplicity of the task at hand – Encouraging

Taking the first step and continuing forward, enjoying the scenery along the path – Accomplishing

Seeking sound advice, weighing out all the options and placing the decision at the cross – Calming

Waking up to another day full of blessing to hear the simple laughter of a child – Rewarding

Living up to God’s standards of spousal responsibilities, loving as God loves – Fulfilling

I am not sure about you, but I like the latter of the lists.  These emotions overpower negativity when determination rises inside.  Finding the motivation to remain positive presents with difficulty. 

It resembles training for a marathon. . .step by step, day by day, you train your mind to think positively.  Lots of training plans exist.  Each begin slowly and build the body up to prepare for the race.  Going from couch to start line requires motivation, dedication, consistency and time.  Training our eyes to focus on positive each day must begin slowly and build on a solid foundation to then withstand the race of life.

Motivation occurs at the fork in the road with one path leading to the same old results performing the same old actions each day. . .the other path leading to a new, vibrant life full of joy and peace.  Refusing to live the old and beginning to take on the new increases motivation.  Take that first step my dear friend.

Dedication takes motivation to another level.  With each step, we must choose positive outlook to receive joyful outcomes.  We must believe our God is consistent.  We must stand firm on faith that God will take the broken in the world and maintain the fullness of our glass.  He does not leave us empty. 

Consistency keeps dedication intense and alive.  Day in and day out, remain on the path of new life.  Even when it would be easy to complain, throw a pity party, give up and be negative. . .REFUSE to quit.  Stick to His plan.  God is our trainer and He holds the mighty plan to live life to the full!

Time will reveal a stronger, sturdier foundation on which to stand.  Faith overtakes every situation.  Hope arises in every outcome.  Take that first step my dear friend.

The choice is ours.  The fork in the road is here.  Will you train for the race of life?  Will you join me on the path full of encouraging moments leading to countless accomplishments presenting a calming, rewarding and fulfilling life?  God will take such faith and move mountains.  Take that first step my dear friend.

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig