The other day, two things happened. I saw this video and I realized I’m stronger than I think.
No, I’m never going to be a pull-up dancer. I know this might surprise you. I’m not strong in that way.
But as I was driving along a person came to mind who brought me great pain in the past, and I felt…indifference! Then I thought of an experience that had had great destructive power in my life, and I felt…fine! Actually, I felt great! I could think about the experience and appreciate what I learned without reliving the pain. I was strong in a new way! Stronger than I thought. I bet you are too.
STRONGER is my One Word this year, so it was weird when it struck me that there are areas where I’ve already grown stronger over the years.
Stronger can sneak up on you when you’re not looking. We can say “Aha, Stronger! I recognize you!”
Yes, it requires discipline and truth-telling and exercising flabby muscles over time. It’s a daily 3 mile run rather than a dash into the grocery store. We do our work and God does His work and somehow we get better. Stronger.
We let weak win when we give power to people or experiences in our lives that don’t deserve it.
We get stronger when we say “Nope!” over and over again. “The only One who deserves power in my life to define me or carry me or approve me or interpret life for me is Jesus.”
We’re I’m so paranoid about seeming braggy that I sometimes neglect to celebrate the small victories of change. But the other day I felt it was time to celebrate and thank God for stronger.
So, what’s one area of your life where you can celebrate growth? What is one way you’ve grown stronger?
