Create: Discipline

Sometimes I get easily overwhelmed by everyday life responsibilities. We get up, go to work, make healthy meals, keep the house clean, take care of the pets, take care of each other, exercise, write, and the list could go on. The thing that is hard to understand is that I love a lot of things on my to-do list, but over time, it can feel monotonous and exhausting. I start to believe I am not doing anything meaningful and maybe even wasting my time which is my worst fear.

Then I remember God sees everything. He sees the discipline of getting up early to work out, or carving out time to call a friend. He sees you doing the dishes for the 20th time in a week. He sees you getting the kids dressed for school, making them lunch, and sending them off. He sees the discipline and motivation.

Choosing to do a good habit every day or choosing NOT to do an unhealthy habit are conscious decisions we need to make, every day, and sometimes every minute. We often minimize the choices we make because they feel small or mundane.

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin."

Zechariah 4:10

This verse is referring to the rebuilding of the temple, which some onlookers considered a small project compared to Solomon's grand temple. God is assuring us that there is nothing small about being obedient to what He is calling us to do, no matter how small it may appear compared to other people's accomplishments.

When I first started full-time ministry, I was right out of college and became a part of a team planting a new church campus. I had this verse on my desk to remind me every day that God honors hard work. God can show up in so many different ways that are contrary to what our culture teaches us. There is nothing small about your choosing to get up in the mornings and build a godly life for yourself. That takes time and dedication and will change your character and, therefore, the outcome of your life. Positive change is hard and can feel unnatural, but it is the best thing you can work towards.

Getting up and doing something, even when success is not guaranteed, is an incredible accomplishment in itself. If God is rejoicing, we should be too. Celebrate your discipline and the progress you have made!