I have been thinking a lot about success this summer. My daughter works so hard at softball and loves it so much. When I watch her play, I want so badly for her to be successful - throw lots of strikes, get big hits, make great plays in the field, and win. Especially when she pitches, I get nervous and feel a pit in my stomach. I don't really know where this feeling comes from. On some level I couldn't care less how she does; I love her just the way she is and no athletic performance could change that. But I also deeply want to see her be successful and praised.
I feel this for myself sometimes too. I want people to acknowledge my hard work and abilities. I want measurable results, even if it is just being able to say I checked everything off my to do list for that day. I don't want to struggle with new situations or bad habits. I want everything to come easily and for me to be seen as a success.
But I know God's Kingdom doesn't work like that. God desires intimacy with us and for us to be sanctified. These things don't come from everything going well for us, but from struggle, heartache, and humility. Jesus calls us not to pursue success, but to take up our cross, take the lowly position, and follow Him.
I wish I could share with you a five step plan for keeping success in its proper perspective and focusing more on growth in Christ, both for ourselves and for our children. But I can't. I don't have this figured out yet. Instead I keep coming back to the things that get mentioned over and over around here: pray, read the Bible, express gratitude, be patient with yourself, and be willing to share your struggles with others.
