We All Have To Start Somewhere

       It’s safe to state that we all have had to write at least one essay or paper in our lifetime. I’ve always been someone who has enjoyed the writing process, but I’ve always had a difficult time getting started. In middle school I was taught to use a brainstorming method, whether it be the bubbles or a basic outline, it was always important to get the ideas in order. Doing standardized testing was always tricky for me since you had a certain amount of time to brainstorm and write the essay. It was far more stressful than I wanted it to be. Thankfully in college I had a few weeks to get research done and complete the eight or more page paper. It didn’t matter how long or short the paper needed to be; there was always a call for motivation to sit down and get to work. 

In some aspects in life I have motivation. Cleaning the house when I’m tired of it being too cluttered. Finally getting caught up on laundry after visiting family out of state. It can be difficult to have the drive, the determination to start a task and complete it. Recently I started a new workout routine, I use the BeachBody on Demand app on my T.V. It’s called 80 Day Obsession and it’s quite the routine! When it comes to working out I’m the type of person who continually tells people I’m going to start but rarely do. Something inside of me sparked and I knew I needed a change. I’m a mother to a wonderful baby boy and a wife to the best husband. I wanted to get into a routine to be healthier and be a better person. Once you start doing something and make it a habit it’s clear that you’ll have more drive to do other things as well. At least that’s what I experienced. I knew it would be 80 days of workouts, 80 days of dedication and self motivation. After the first week I started feeling more energized, my body was going through a detox and a new mindset set in. It’s amazing what happens to your mind and body when you decide to do something that’s good for you. Something that will refuel your body, replenish your system and make you stronger. 

Once I really got into the routine I started waking up anxiously waiting to workout. I would go to bed excited to workout the next morning because I knew how I would feel after. Thinking about how I felt before and after my workouts, I began thinking why I didn’t start doing this sooner. Why it took me so long to finally get into the mindset to make a change and to better myself as a whole. Sometimes we constantly talk the talk of life. Exclaim what we are going to do to make a change whether it be with our bodies, lifestyles, volunteering or even getting into a more spiritual mindset. Yet we rarely act on our words and seem to forget all that we said hours after. Then when we finally act on our words we are baffled that it took us so long to begin. Isn’t it that way with our devotions to God? 

       Being devoted to something is simply putting your time and effort to make a habit. As I began working out everyday I thought about my daily relationship with God. I began to analyze my daily to-dos and see what I was missing and what needed to change. Was there enough time for Jesus and getting into His Word? Was I allowing myself to be in a place of vulnerability so I would be ready to hear when He spoke to me? In reality, no, I was not allowing enough time for my daily devotions and I was not allowing myself to be vulnerable and sensitive to His Spirit. 

Growing up my dad was an assistant pastor and then eventually got voted into the pastoral role of the church. I knew all about the importance of having a solid relationship with God. I knew that I needed to have that foundation with God to grow and become a stronger Christian. It’s harder than it appears to be. Starting something new or at least making a habit of something to better yourself. I attended Indiana Bible College and in my first year I had a class that we were supposed to keep a journal everyday of our thoughts and prayers. It was teaching us to create a habit to make time for Jesus everyday, to become devoted to learning more about Him and His Word. I’m going to be honest, I didn’t do such a good job. Growing up I did journal a lot, but it was something that I did to write about my day not about my prayers or what I read that day in my Bible. Eventually I did get into the habit of writing down thoughts and prayers I had and taking notes in the chapel services we had twice a week. But all in all I could have done more. I could have written more, read more and prayed more. Starting something that you’re not used to is no easy task. You have to make sure you actually remember to do it and get into a mindset of change. 

When you’re doing things to make a change on your physical appearance it’s easy to get more motivated as you see results. Starting a relationship with Jesus could seem harder because you won’t see physical results. What you’re changing is your heart. You’re reading the Bible to better yourself from the inside out. You’re praying to talk to Jesus and letting him know you’re ready for change, you’re ready to get into a relationship with him and you want His help. 

We All have to start somewhere. Wether it’s your very first day ever hearing about Jesus, or you want to get into a deeper relationship with Him or you’re ready to level up on your studying and praying, you have to start somewhere. Start slow, start easy. Jumping in too quick and too difficult can leave you feeling worn out and incapable. Just like working out, if you start with too high of difficulty you won’t complete the whole routine and you’ll feel like you can’t do it or you’re too far gone to start again. It’s going to take discipline and determination, but if you’re ready, Jesus is ready too, waiting with open arms to help you and guide you in the right direction.