I can remember when I was first trying to teach my oldest daughter to read and write. We would do all kinds of exercises together. We would go over phonics, handwriting, sight words... you name it, we did it.
Still, there were days when it seemed like all that hard work meant nothing, particularly when I would revisit a concept I thought we had down pat, only to see Kyla glare back at me with that dazed, "deer in headlights" look.
But I didn't give up. I had to learn to be patient.
Well, yesterday, Kyla came into my room with sparkling eyes and a slightly nervous look. "Mommy, I made a new book," she said softly in her high-pitched voice. "Will you read it?"
"Of course I'll read it," I said perking up and smiling, eager to see what she had chosen to write about this time. So, Kyla handed me the book which consisted of neatly folded green construction paper that served as the front and back cover, and about 8 or 9 white pages inside. So cute.
Then, she left the room, as is her custom.
I settled in and began reading, but I didn't expect what I got. Though Kyla is an excellent writer, I had never quite seen her write like this. She used beautiful language and metaphors like: "The sun fell behind the clouds of the darkened sky," and "She sat outside gazing off into the distance under the green pines just thinking about nothing in particular..."
I was floored, because the language she chose was so advanced, yet, eloquently written in the appropriate context. After I was done, I called Kyla back into the room and told her how amazing her book was, and how proud I was of her. Then, she proceeded to explain to me why she was so nervous about letting me see the book. "I don't usually use words like that Mommy," she said. "But I wanted to try new and different ways to say things and see how it would work."
Right then it hit me. This is the same child who, years ago, seemed barely interested in learning vocabulary. She preferred doodling. But today, she's emerging as a very impressive writer.
"It's working," I thought to myself. The lessons, practice sessions, and learning exercises are not all in vain.
It's working.
Sometimes, as we go through our day-to-day routines, however, it's easy to think that we're just going through the motions in life... particularly when things aren't noticeably progressing. But I want to encourage you today and let you know that what you're doing is worth it and it's working. All you have to do is keep it up.
Don't get antsy and frustrated. Just remain steadfast and consistent.
Whether you're focusing on education, career advancement, entrepreneurship, parenting, ministry, writing, fitness goals... whatever it is, it will work if you work it. It won't happen overnight, but as long as you don't abandon what you believe God has called you to do, it'll all work out.
One thing that many people don't realize is that, there comes a time in all of our lives when we feel like we've reached a plateau and nothing's happening. It seems that our attempts aren't really working. As a result, during these "fruitless" seasons, it's easy to write things off as being ineffective and useless, but don't make that mistake.
Just be patient.
Don't get so preoccupied with seeing things happen quickly that, when they don't move forward at your desired pace, you abandon them altogether. After all, consistency is the key. The race is not given to swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to the one that endures to the end, right?
Then tell yourself that, slow growth isn't the same as no growth, although many people behave as though it is. You'll get to where you're going. Don't give into the "need for speed," rather, do what I said earlier. Be patient and consistent. You'll be surprised by how much progress you make when you take things one day at a time.
Before you know it, you'll be somewhere gazing off into the distance under the green pines just thinking about... how far God has brought you.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
