It is so exciting to start something new, be it a new year, a new grade, a new book, a new fitness activity, or even a new jar of peanut butter. Isn’t it just so satisfying to take that first scoop into the pristine jar? Staring something new is not the challenge. It’s sticking with something that really takes some effort. How many times have you started a new eating plan, so excited on the first day, and then fallen off the wagon a few days later, never to get back on again?
For me a part of not seeing things through, or giving up, is partially a function of having too much on my plate to begin with. Another piece of the puzzle is looking to change the symptoms without seeing the root cause of whatever I’m trying to change. For example- if you’re trying to wake up an hour earlier than normal for yourself, but you’re only changing your alarm clock setting you may not stick with it. (Especially if you still stay up late, or drink coffee until 9 p.m.!) Stepping back far enough from your own point of view long enough to see the whole of the situation is crucial in finding the root of an issue. Our society has a sort of collective Attention Deficit Disorder- always looking for an easy way out of every proverbial “pickle”- which, by the way, is never a long-term solution.
Sticking with anything through thick and thin (a spouse, a faith practice, a class, an eating plan) though challenging is the only way to deepen our relationship with that thing, practice, or person. We’re in a really interesting place in our church’s history right now. Aside from being in a really positive place with our community with one another, outreach, and programs, we’re also in a place of great transition too. With the “New Beginnings” renovation project and capital campaign in full swing, a preschool opening in 2015, and ever-expanding offerings here I would say these things to everyone-
1. Get Involved- Perhaps the only way you can give is with your time or talents. Or, maybe you can only help in a monetary way. Plug in, and deepen your connection with this beautiful community of faith.
2. Get Excited- Authentic emotions are contagious. We’re doing something incredible here in Boulder while so many other churches are just “hanging on.”
3. Stick Around- We’re in it for the long run. Are you?
Peace, Love, and Laughter,
Emily
For me a part of not seeing things through, or giving up, is partially a function of having too much on my plate to begin with. Another piece of the puzzle is looking to change the symptoms without seeing the root cause of whatever I’m trying to change. For example- if you’re trying to wake up an hour earlier than normal for yourself, but you’re only changing your alarm clock setting you may not stick with it. (Especially if you still stay up late, or drink coffee until 9 p.m.!) Stepping back far enough from your own point of view long enough to see the whole of the situation is crucial in finding the root of an issue. Our society has a sort of collective Attention Deficit Disorder- always looking for an easy way out of every proverbial “pickle”- which, by the way, is never a long-term solution.
Sticking with anything through thick and thin (a spouse, a faith practice, a class, an eating plan) though challenging is the only way to deepen our relationship with that thing, practice, or person. We’re in a really interesting place in our church’s history right now. Aside from being in a really positive place with our community with one another, outreach, and programs, we’re also in a place of great transition too. With the “New Beginnings” renovation project and capital campaign in full swing, a preschool opening in 2015, and ever-expanding offerings here I would say these things to everyone-
1. Get Involved- Perhaps the only way you can give is with your time or talents. Or, maybe you can only help in a monetary way. Plug in, and deepen your connection with this beautiful community of faith.
2. Get Excited- Authentic emotions are contagious. We’re doing something incredible here in Boulder while so many other churches are just “hanging on.”
3. Stick Around- We’re in it for the long run. Are you?
Peace, Love, and Laughter,
Emily