I Want It Yesterday

Has it ever amazed you just how long you’re willing to endure pain and severe discomfort before you’re willing to make major changes in your life? I’ve walked that road; more than once. We think, over analyze, debate, plan and re-plan, and maybe even pray some, before we make that move from contemplation to action. When we finally make that step forward (or backward) into a new direction of change, we can become so eager for the change that we forget all about the process. We fall into that “I wanted it yesterday” mindset.

Truth is, change is hard and can be down right uncomfortable. In fact, one of the biggest reasons we fear to begin the process of change is that we are more afraid of the pain of change, of the unknown; than we are of the pain we are enduring in the here and now. We are peculiar creations, aren’t we? When we want change, we want it now, and we can become so frustrated when change is not immediate.

It is very possible that we become inpatient and frustrated because we continue to tackle new goals with the same old thinking, mind sets, and tools. We realize that something is not in our best interest, but we continue to attempt change with the same attitude, self centered will, and desire for instant gratification and perfection that got us into the mess in the first place. That’s what I’d call insanity: doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different outcome.

We need to approach new goals with new attitudes and with the ability to seek guidance wiser than ours. We need to surround ourselves with people who are positive, encouraging, affirming, and who will lift us up when we feel we can’t go on. It is important to recognize the character flaws that became roadblocks, such as control, ego, wanting it our way, pride, and the list goes on. As we walk in the direction of new goals that lead us towards our purpose in life, it is wise to walk in patience, perseverance, and acceptance, followed by a willingness to take actions one day at a time, even when the results aren’t apparent.

Our current problems did not materialize overnight; nor will they change overnight. Turning around our lives will not occur in the sounding second of a clock. Many of us have had God touch our souls in the time it takes for a heart to beat, but the changes that resulted from His hand continues throughout a life time. Understanding the process of change is just as significant as change. Understanding that change is gradual and progressive will help when we encounter the occasional setback.

Living in the reality of life will help us when it delivers detours in our progress and direction. Trust me, it will happen. Embracing God, trusting Jesus, giving up our human desire to control, lead, and manipulate, will open us up to the voice and peace of our Creator.

Seek progress, not perfection. It will not happen ‘yesterday”, but as we walk the road of change, as we walk closer to the Holiness of a Holy God, as we love and not condemn, grow and cease to be stagnant, we will begin to experience the healing of the present. As we experience that healing and growth, we will begin to have happier yesterdays and more promising tomorrows.

My friend and reader, I encourage you start this day by deciding to evaluate what is getting in your way and to begin to let that go.  As Matthew Kelly encourages us, be the best version of yourself you are to be.