The hardest part is just getting started. Today was back to school day. The kids are all extra tired, overwhelmed, convinced that their subjects are too hard and their days are too long, at least one of their teachers is too strict, and sure that something like a 5-paragraph essay looms in the near future. "Yes, that may be true" begins the Dad reply, "but you have just done the hardest part--you have broken inertia." [Disregard the "what's inertia?" whine.]Supertechnically, there must be more inertia in late August facing a return to *school* than there is keeping the space shuttle on its launch pad. Gravity must have greater influence in the matters of transitioning a child's orientation from Summer to Fall. But the hardest part is over. To fully break free from the gravitational pull of summer will take a full month, true. But the hardest part of the hardest part is over.
So it is with all of us, whether we return to school or to the post-summertime routine. Ah, yes, but the hardest part is almost over now that we have crossed through that eventless/eventful "first day" threshold. Perhaps there will be a groove we can all find. Perhaps there will be an updraft we can all navigate. Perhaps there will be a little more confidence, a little more determination, a little more delight in "day two." Perhaps we will find that grace is already in place. Well ... you know ... the hardest part of the hardest part is just getting started. Lord, help us.
Great point Kevin! (We've never met, but I was at FBC for six years or so until the Lord took me to the UK for a master's this year. Been praying for you all for years and this year, especially!) The idea of inertia rings true with me and the idea of sin - of being Christians who live pure, self-controlled lives. That the hardest part of breaking the hold of sin in our lives - in many ways - is making that determination to give it up, no matter how difficult. To set our hands to the plow and now look back. Sure, every day still has it's challenge - some more difficult then others - but it's the truth with anything in life that doesn't allow us to be self-focused and lazy. Every job, relationship, etc. requires that moment of inertia - followed through with commitment. Well, back to studies, but thanks for sharing! God bless!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment, Daniel.
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