Pace

In a gym class you might have a number of people who are stronger than you; 

they can push themselves harder and further. 

It might offer some helpful motivation to grow,

But if you use them as your gauge for where you should be here and now,

you might be able maintain it for a few minutes..

But then you’ll likely find yourself dropping off.

Tired to an extent that doesn’t match what’s healthy for you.

Tired to an extent that means you can’t continue.

Slowing down to your pace means looking different. 

Slowing down to your pace means being real with what you can manage. 

Even when it’s less than the people you’re surrounded by 

and makes you appear in some way you’d rather not.

Authenticity is waved around like a banner these days, 

as if it’s a gloriously easy way to be.

But I think sometimes it’s actually more like a glorious sacrifice;

Our capacity mightn’t be as big or grandiose to start with.

But in order to grow,

We’ve got to embrace where we are-

particularly when our capacity isn’t (rather than when it is) 

reflecting what we wish.

Going at your pace matters 

when it comes to sustaining yourself for the long, rather than short, run;

I feel like the more we listen and tune in to our inner world,

The more we will actually genuinely start being surprised, 

rather than disappointed,

By a faster than expected progressing rate of growth.

I wonder if this is why God calls us to humble ourselves before him.

Because he sees just how far it can take us, 

and how pride gets in the way of us going places.

I wonder if this is why God also considers

grace

paramount to our growth.

Because he knows accepting where we are at

might often require the receiving of his radical grace 

To be able to continue.

“We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” Heb 4:16