There are times we are our own worst critic. We fail to give ourselves credit where credit is due. One of these areas is progress.
Seldom do we celebrate progress because seldom do we take the time to recognize it. All progress is relative. The measuring rod is different for each person. For a disabled person, progress is measured one way. For an able-bodied person, progress is measured differently. And between those diverse categories, there are untold numbers of unique circumstances that make all progress relative. Progress for you may look very different than progress for me.
A garden snail is said to go an average speed of 0.048 kilometers an hour while a cheetah can run 128 kilometers per hour. Hugely different. Both are the creation of God and for both the snail and the cheetah the reality is – progress is progress. Even small progress is still progress that needs to be recognized.
It is said that “comparison is the thief of joy” – and it’s true. It’s easy to be disheartened about your own successes because they often seem so insignificant when compared to those of someone else. The Bible exhorts us to “Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load.” (Galatians 6:4-5 CEV) The key is to live your own life. To be the full person God meant for you to be. Stop comparing yourself with others. We each have our own journey.
How long has it been since you stopped to assess your own progress and to give yourself credit for the advancements you have made in various areas of your life? Maybe it’s in the area of being less critical of others. Or spending more alone time with Jesus. Or eating better. Or being more positive and grateful. Celebrate your progress!
One day a lawyer asked Jesus, “What is the greatest commandment of the law?” Jesus answered, “The greatest commandment of the law is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the second is similar. You should love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Mark 12:28-31) Jesus gave us permission to “love ourselves.” In fact we can never love God and others fully until we have learned to love and appreciate ourselves as one of God’s masterpieces.
So whether you compare your progress to a snail or a cheetah – small progress is still progress and needs to be celebrated.
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:23 NLT)
Be blessed my friend.
Glen (Pitts)
The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love
