New Things.

patience.
Have you ever tried something for the first time & it took you FOREVER? This might be the reason I am not the queen of trying new things. I love efficiency & effectiveness--and starting something new is neither of those things. My permanent roommate likes to remind me that its okay if it takes a little longer to get things done. I'm sure he wished I had waited for him to come get the tortillas for dinner last night instead of me knocking over the container of cocoa powder & coating our pantry in the process.

Learning new things takes time, effort, and energy. Muscle memory has to be built & connections have to be created across the brain. Being "good" at things takes tons of practice--something like 10,000 hours of practice. I'm not sure I have 10,000 hours of anything cashed in at the current moment.

Do I start by trying 17 new things or just one that I hope I will like in 6 months? Do I start with things I am mediocre at or do I start from scratch?  How much patience am I willing to put forth into a new endeavor that I am not sure I'll enjoy?

Galatians 6:7-9 says, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

I want to try something new that is pleasing to God; a thing that makes His glory known in the process of learning. Will it be hard? Uh huh. Will I have to ask the Lord do help me with my lack of discipline & consistency. Unfortunately, yes. Will it be worth it? Absolutely.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger & rich in love. His is faithful to his promises. He has promised that we will reap in due season what we sow if we do not give up. I am going to try something--even though it is hard--so I can see His goodness on the other side.