Grind

Grind. Hustle. Work. Perseverance. All of these words come to mind when I think about what it takes to accomplish our goals. We have to focus and commit to the goal at hand. We have to sacrifice. Sacrifice is where the line in the sand is drawn. Most people give up when it requires more than they initially thought. Our dreams cost us time. They cost us money. Sometimes, they cost us relationships, but its worth it in the end. Grind because its worth it. Grind because you know there’s more to life. Grind because you want to see the manifestation of your dreams coming true. Grind for the next generation. Grind for your legacy.

Deeds

Faith has to be accompanied by deeds. Deeds by definition is an action that is performed intentionally. Deeds can be good or bad. The idea is that our faith will bear fruit. A tree is known by the fruit it bears. Faith without works is dead. Faith without good deeds is like a barren tree. It produces no fruit. What are you producing? Are you being intentional with your faith? Is your faith followed by deeds?

Work

It's funny how people don't really understand that anything worth having requires work. Success takes work. Friendships require work to maintain. Relationships require a lot of work. Marriage, degrees, anything that comes with a title takes work. Blood, sweat, and tears type work. "I put my all in" type work. "I gave it everything I have" type work. "I wake up early and go to bed late" type work. I just don't get it. I do get it, actually. Things you don't work for, you don't value. They are disposable. So, people and relationships become disposable when you don't work for it. Things of little value can be discarded without second thought. What do you value? Who do you value? The answer to both questions is what or whom did you work for?

Yoke

Most of us could use some rest. We carry the weight of responsibility, positions, and expectation on our shoulders. We all need to take a break and rest our weary souls. How do we lay our cares on God? We pray and leave our concerns on the altar. How do we rest? Have faith that God will take care of you. Allow the peace of God to infiltrate your heart and mind. When we trust God, it’s easy for Jesus to take the wheel.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Sweat Equity

Genesis 3:19 (KJV) In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

The fall of man is described in the third chapter of Genesis. Adam's disobedience caused the ground to be cursed. What was once easy became difficult and challenging. Disobedience has consequences, both seen and unseen. Truthfully, most of us don't value things until it costs us something. When we invest our own blood, sweat, and tears, we have a greater appreciation for it. We see it all the time. Rich kids blow through their inheritance. Kids break toys and devices because they don't see the value in it. They didn't pay the price. What do you deem valuable? What did you pay to get it? What have you paid for with sweat equity? 

Learn

They say you learn something new every day. I can say that I really do learn something new every day. I learn new information. I learn about myself. I learn about my triggers and my limits. I learn to listen when my body speaks. I learn how others respond to me and how I respond in return. I learn to pay attention to everyone around me. What did you learn today? Pay attention. Every day is a new opportunity to learn to learn every minute of your life. 

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." -Earl Nightingale
 

Delight

"A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom."-Robert Frost

I am a poet at heart. Words are my personal delight. For some, delight comes in the form of cupcakes or ice cream. It may be a Sunday Funday or just watching some good old fashioned football. Whatever makes you happy, make sure you take the time to enjoy it. Make someone laugh. Relish in their laughter. Enjoy all of life's delights.