A NEW THING
My daughter is new to volleyball.
Don’t know how long she’ll stay with it, but it piqued her curiosity when I mentioned it and ever since this past summer, she’s been learning the sport and participating in camps. This school year, she aimed to make the first-string volleyball team at her school.
She gave it her all during tryouts but was disappointed to make second string. But considering her first time seriously touching a volleyball was three months prior, I talked to her about having appropriate expectations and gratitude.
BOTTOM LINE
Then I gave her the bottom line. This is the team you’re on, and these are the teammates counting on you to give maximal effort, so keep that same energy from when you were hoping to make “A” team.
I had to say that several times throughout the season: when she didn’t get to start, when she didn’t get as many playing minutes, and when the team had a terrible losing streak. It was not what she wanted to hear and honestly it was heartbreaking to say based on the circumstances, but life in a fallen world means you play the hand you’re dealt, the best you can, till you’re dealt a new hand.
PATIENT ENDURANCE
Team morale got so low that by the time the last game came, they just wanted to get it over with. And that’s exactly how they played in the first game against a team that whooped them previously. The second game started rocky as well, with heads hanging down and bickering amongst teammates.
But my daughter made a spike scoring a game changing point. Once she got fired up, the entire team did, and everyone gave more effort with aggressive digs, well-placed serves and attacks at the net.
They pulled out the second game and another win in the third to win the match! Those girls stormed the court like it was the Olympics, and I almost lost my voice with all the cheering.
Patience and endurance won that day.
KEEP THAT SAME ENERGY
Your situation is no different. Maybe you’re like me. You had a theme word or concept for 2021. And you assumed when God said it, He meant it would be wrapped up nice and neat with a bow by December 31st.
So, when you saw glimpses of growth, you believed you were right on schedule. Then you looked up and realized the year’s almost over and you’re not where you thought you’d be, where you wanted to be.
I feel you.
I even took a morning this week to cry about it. Then later, while on a walk, the Lord reminded to keep that same energy I had when He first promised and later when I saw signs of growth.
SHIFT YOUR FOCUS
Keep that same energy because Jesus is not confined to your calendar, so He doesn’t respond to deadlines. And no, He hasn’t changed the destination. You will get there, but to keep that same energy, you need gratitude for every step along the way.
I know you find comfort in milestones, achievements that let you “know” you’re on pace to reach your goal by a certain time. But the truth is, much of your journey happens in the middle of the sea, where there are no mile markers and where winds and waves slow you down, even threatening to throw you off course.
But keep believing, keep going, keep taking the next step. The journey isn’t over just because another year is. Stop looking around at your circumstances. Stop looking within, wondering if you’re doomed to stay stuck. And keep your eyes on Jesus. He knows the path and the pace that’s best for you.
Happy New Year, Friend! May 2022 be everything the Lord intends for you. And may what He’s planned be enough for you.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:13-14, NKJV
And hey, I’m rooting for you. Root for me too, okay?
QUESTION: Do you start the new year with resolutions, a vision statement, a theme, or do you go with the flow? Let me know in the comments!
WRITE YOUR HEART OUT…
And may I introduce to you…
The Motherhood Unmasked Journal
Beautiful on the outside, but simple on the inside with lined pages for you to fill with the victories and valleys of your motherhood journey.
Perfect for you, a new mom, a mom who journals with her child, and the mom wanting to leave a “lessons learned” keepsake for her daughter.
IF YOU’RE A MOM, WE SHOULD TALK…
Join me for Motherhood Unmasked
It’s the podcast for real talk about the challenges you face in motherhood, along with some compassion, candor, and clarity to help you own your impact. Moms don’t let other moms do it alone! So, come on in—TUESDAYS.
KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHO’S IN YOUR CORNER
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Vine Life Faith 
Love this word. Such a good confirmation of what God has been speaking to me in this season. I’m excited to see where the new season of the Motherhood Unmasked podcast goes. Blessings to you!
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Hey there Tara! Sometimes the Lord only gives us His leading to stand on and other times He repeats himself through others. I’m grateful this was confirmation for you❤️ And I appreciate your excitement concerning the new direction of the podcast🙏🏾 God bless you and yours!
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