What are your expectations for results in the area you serve? What about your expectations for your own self care, balance, or spiritual journey? If you ever get impatient about your progress or the progress of those you serve, remember the difference between a 100 meter dash and a marathon.
100 meter dashes are short, quick spurts of energy. Then the race is over. This is a kind of philosophy intertwined in our American culture. We want things now. We want to accomplish tasks fast and get them over with. We see this in fad diets, fast food, instant messaging, and instant potatoes.
Marathons are a process - a journey. Some training runs are long. Shoes, eating right, stretching, and adequate sleep are vital to a successful marathon finish. This kind of philosophy is rare in our American culture. It means we have to wait longer for results. It means hard work. It means taking our time.
The 100 meter dash approach will not ultimately lead to long term success in ministry. The marathon approach will. Add these words to your vocabulary: Endurance. Patience. Perseverance. Strength of service. Waiting... and serve strong over the long haul!
Recent Comments