Last year, I started out with an anthem. An anthem to "work HARD" I journaled each month on a topic or something that was pressing on my heart. It unraveled in over 60 pages of words. Honestly, they weren't just words, it was hope. Hope is a feeling but it's also this abstract noun that you can hold, but not feel it tangibly. It's a feeling that spreads through your whole body and lifts you up and onward.
This year, my anthem or 'word' that comes to mind is ONWARD--->.
Knowing that to "work hard", is not about perfection but a progression. To me, that means making every day count! Every day! It's moving onward inch by inch, moment by moment, in an upward direction. Reminding yourself that the view at the top of this mountain you are climbing, crawling, running up, or however you are moving; is SO worth it!
Oh and the view when you look BACK! There's something powerful that happens when not only did you accomplish something you put everything into, then look back and see each emotion, each moment as it plays out like a movie, is incredible. It's humbling to see that starting line, the beast of a mountain I came up, and stand in awe of the journey.
Working HARD taught me that it's okay to fall into a rut but be quick to tell myself, "don't you DARE give up!"
Working HARD taught me to pray HARD, even if the circumstances tell a different story. I look back in this past year and see so many prayers answered. Small or big, God got to work. I know this because there were things I know I know I know I said in my mind and didn't tell a soul that were answered. This... this right here is why I choose to pray onward!
I learned by working hard in my relationships, faith, health, and overall wellness that it comes down to what was I willing to put in. Ever hear of "You reap what you sow?" I think of a farmer. The farmer has to wait for the right season to plow the soil, plant the thousands of seeds, wait for rain and fair weather, and on top of that, treat the fields. This is all done in hopes that the harvest is plentiful! Talk about working hard!
That's you. That's me. Each day presents the unpredictable, the uncontrolables, the "Ain't nobody got time for that," kind of moments. You know what I am talking about if you are a multi tasker, volunteer (for probably more than you should), mom, or climbing the ladder in an aspect kind of person!
So to that, I say ONWARD.
Onward means on dictionary.com , two things. 1. (Adj.) "Going further rather than coming to an end or halt; moving forward. 2. (Adv.) in continuing forward direction; ahead.
You and I are not coming to an end or a halt. We are moving forward! We are continuing the race ahead...working hard, so we can move ahead a little bit more than we did the day before. We can do it! It's not going to be easy to keep this forward motion. We are going to need a push, shove, a person in our corner to pray or pull us onward and UP!
Jesus was an encourager too. In John 14, He tells his friends that He is leaving them. I can only imagine how confused that made them feel or worried since they had no clue what that meant. I could only imagine a feeling of discouragement when they were told this. I know those unpredictable daily moments can be discouraging for me too! There are times, where we want to throw in the towel. Parenting is so hard. It's so confusing and there really should be a manual on how to handle them! lol.
All kidding aside, the truth is life doesn't happen perfectly. What do I do when life gets the best of me? Sometimes I reach out to a friend, listen to a podcast, talk to my spouse, blare my favorite pick me up music, or Google the issue that's on my mind. But the one thing that has never failed me is talking to the one who cares so much for me. The one who Created me to move onward with purpose. We aren't supposed to know everything or know how to react in every situation. But I know who gives great advice when life seems like it's bursting at the seams and all you want to do is take that next step.
He said to his disciples, who were ordinary friends unsure and confused on what the future holds.
He said this, (John 14:1-2 NLT)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
Onward. Jesus moves ahead of us in our circumstances when we trust in Him. He refines us so when it's time to move to the next season, we will be ready. Therefore, we can reap what we sow! Amen! We were made to conquer big things, to move ahead with confidence and peace in our God! I have no doubt that we can and will do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine if only we put our trust in Him every day. Only then can we truly move onward!
Heavenly Father,
I ask in Jesus name, that you would make a way for people. When the road seems long, lonely, hard, challenging, or worrisome; that you wouldn't let our hearts be troubled any longer. I pray for a blanket of peace over our circumstances and that you would lift our eyes to you so that we may walk confidently in our day, knowing you have our best interest at heart.
Amen.
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