Celebrate the Beauty of Progress

It’s far too easy to undermine the seemingly little things we accomplish over the course of weeks, months, or years. But what if we simply celebrate the beauty of progress versus magnifying the things that are not achieved on our carefully contrived list of goals?

Acknowledge the Plans of God

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. – Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

The need to fulfill certain tasks may seem quite urgent. But perhaps the goals that we actually achieve are the very details that are apart of God’s timing and/or bigger picture. And because God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55: 8 – 9), He can certainly see ahead of us to determine what is harmful or helpful to our path.

Show Kindness to Yourself

I will praise You (God), because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know [this] very well. – Psalm 139:14 (CSB)

What if we put into practice a habitual lifestyle of self compassion versus self loathing? What if we remember (even during setbacks, disappointments, perceived failure, sinful moments, etc.), that we are remarkably and wonderfully made? And if the Lord references what He creates as good (Genesis 1), then so should we. We can courageously try a task again with God as the lead. We can repent of faults with God as our true redeemer of sin.

Celebrate the Beauty of Progress

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. – Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

Who doesn’t love a good party? And guess who is invited? We are, darlings! We can be glad and sing for joy! Why? Because we’ve taken refuge in the God who establishes GOOD plans for us. Whether we’ve taken 1 step or 10,000 steps towards our goals, the movement in our journey is evident and we must celebrate the beauty of progress!

We may be tempted to wallow in “I wish I was further along” or “If I hadn’t done that, then things would be better.” However, to realize we’ve moved along our God-designed path (whether a little or a lot) is worthy of a “Thank you, Lord!”