As we finish our work week, it is a good opportunity to look back to evaluate what we’ve accomplished. It is also a great time to look ahead to the upcoming week and prepare for a strong start. These are normal practices as Assistants – reviewing and planning.
However, there are times when we might find ourselves discouraged by the review part of this process – getting discouraged about the start-stop-start-pause-start rhythm of our week – and it can hinder our view as we begin preparing for the days ahead. There are seasons where each time we think we can move forward with something, directions change and we find ourselves trying to recover from a clumsy situation. It reminds me of two people learning to dance together – a bit jerky and toes get stepped on! At first we giggle at our missteps, apologizing for our awkwardness, then we find frustration setting in as we pause to rub our feet. If we stick with it, though, practice pays off and we’re dancing across the floor with much more ease. The more we practice, the more elegance we find to the dance.
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
While this process might be frustrating to us, it is good to know that God isn’t frustrated by us. He knew all along that this would be part of what He called us to. He trusted us with this before it even arrived. He prepared us with conversations, lessons, and situations throughout our lives to be perfectly positioned for such a time as this. He began a good work in us and has promised to carry it on to completion. In other words, He won’t leave us alone in the process.
I’ll be the first to admit that I prefer to be polished in my work. I want my oversight to have full confidence in me. When people reach out, I want them to know they are in good hands. When folks have a concern, I want to respond with grace and wisdom. When I present work, I want it to be presented with excellence. Sure, I’m aware that it can be a slippery slope into perfection, but my heart is truly to represent God, New Life, and my oversight well. So, when new dance steps present themselves, it can be annoying! However, if I am not willing to learn a few new dance steps, I hamstring the Lord’s work – in me and at my desk.
We still have more to learn. Because we live on planet Earth, there are more changes coming that will challenge us and change us. If we keep our eyes on the One who is leading and teaching us, though, we will come out on the other side with more grace, more skill, more wisdom – the very gifts we need to better serve the people we are called to. And the best part is that He is with us every step of the way! So take a deep breath, dust yourself off, refocus your sights on Him, and let your Father guide you through a new dance. It is just another way He is reminding you that …
You are adored.
You Are Adored 