John Maxwell has said, “We overestimate events, but underestimate the process.” I think this statement is very true in my life. I know I can’t wait for some of the big events in my life. My patience gets tested every time “the next big thing” comes up in my life. I have several of them again this year–two new ones for me are becoming a dad and turning 40!

I have to admit sometimes I get caught day dreaming too much about the actual event and not spending my time as well as I should. I don’t know if Timothy also had this problem or if Paul was just warning him about this potential danger when he instructed him in I Timothy chapter 1, “I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.” (verses 18-19)

These verses kind of snap me back to reality! I need to stay in the moment because it is presumptuous of me to look too far ahead in life when tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone! I need to not just focus on the “big events” of life, but all of the little, seemingly boring, and tedious parts of life also.

I know, I know, we are supposed to enjoy the journey. “Success is a journey, not a destination” and all those other quotes that I know in my head that I am supposed to believe. I am just being transparent with you–I struggle with this more than I care to admit.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy the process of growing. In fact, I generally really enjoy the process. But, Satan knows where my weaknesses are and he really likes to exploit them.

So, how am I combating this struggle? I am renewing my committment to study and apply Scripture daily along with praying (like Paul) for the grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord (verse 2). I am also setting better goals that help me to keep track of the process and not just the events of life.

This week the challenge for you is to look closely and deeply–yeah, I know it’s painful sometimes–in your life and see where you need to grow. The steps I followed were to first identify the problem, second to find out what Scripture says about this problem, and third set a course of action to work through the problem. The fourth step is critical–find someone to hold you accountable! Be transparent–in my experience people are more likely to respect you if they see you as a real person with real struggles!

More to come…
Jeremy