Embrace Small Beginnings
Confession: I really struggle with not going full force right out of the gate.
But . . . God has been speaking to me about starting small and building from there.
He's been pointing out to me how often I've sidelined myself in the past by jumping in hardcore and how if I'd started a little more slowly, I would have been able to build from that place and not lost time because I've needed to regroup and restart.
An easy example of this in my world right now is that I REALLY want to be out doing my 5 mile, brisk walks and my weighted exercises; however, throughout the holiday season, I dealt with swelling in one of my knees and then had excruciating neck pain just in time for Christmas and New Year's, both of which impacted my mobility. Thankfully, I've now improved tremendously. My norm would be to jump right in - and likely end up back on the couch, icing.
I CLEARLY heard God tell me to focus my new exercise routine on stretching - THAT'S IT.
Seriously?! (Insert HUGE, frustrated sigh.)
But, He was right. (Imagine that . . . ) Stretching morning and night has actually challenged me and been REALLY needed. I'm giving it time and looking forward to adding shorter, slower, walks that don't include hills yet, and then building from there.
It's still frustrating, but it's become a spirit and soul exercise even more than a physical exercise, strengthening me internally in the process. 
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." (Zech 4:10)
God has been speaking to me so much about building with wisdom - that includes embracing small beginnings knowing they'll lead to bigger things, and recognizing / counting the cost, especially the price I could pay if I start too big or too quickly.
Can I rest in and feel satisfaction with small beginnings, and take joy in the fact that I've simply begun the work??? This is refining me for sure!
Starting small and building from there can help prevent potential delays and paying a greater cost, but that can be hard to see when you want to get moving.
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
"For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28)
Today is the first Monday of the New Year. It's the day when many start their New Year's resolutions in earnest.
Are your goals and plans the right size? Will they lead to bigger things or be so overwhelming you get off track?
What are your small beginnings this year?
I see you - and I'm cheering you on in concert with all of heaven!
Sometimes, it helps to bounce things off of someone and get a fresh perspective. Need an encouraging chat, a strategy session, or prayer? Grab some time on my calendar. I'd love to connect!
Living for Him,
Andrea
Our Mission: Love Others Well & Empower Them to Do the Same
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