Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. ~Proverbs 13:12
I absolutely love spring! It’s one of my favourite times of year in Canada. I guess it’s a reminder of a promise of things to come. I get excited watching tree buds suddenly emerge with the first downpour of rain and the birds happily tweeting in our backyard. There is something about new life that brings a fresh perspective.
It is the same when birthing something new and fresh in your life or business. That one great God-breathed idea or amazing new business that your heart begins to hope for and push towards. Such an exciting time! But what happens when there are complications in the birthing process? What happens when the midwife or the doctor doesn’t show up in time to help you transition this baby from a mere thought into existence? What if you find yourself with a lack of resources (time, talent, treasure)?
Guaranteed there will be challenges and sometimes in the midst of the birthing process, we need to stop pushing. We need to simply breathe, calm ourselves down and pray. We need to take a moment to settle our spirit and calmly prepare for the next series of pushes. They will come, it’s just a question of when.
At this stage in the birthing process, the urge to push is natural and sooo real. It is waaay more difficult to hold back than it is to push through. We have to fight our natural instinct to push by exercising discipline in that area so as not to harm yourself or the baby. If the foundation isn’t properly built, if the body is not ready to deliver, pushing prematurely will cause more harm than good to both you and the baby. So although holding back is not normal to us in this situation, it is absolutely essential to bringing forth a healthy baby.
When it’s time… it’s time and there’s no holding back. The pain may require you to “show up” in unusual ways. It is here where pain management techniques aren’t always enough, you need The Lord’s strength and fortitude. You need to be awake and alert so you are able to push when needed.
Here we are in the last stretch! The baby is about to emerge. The happy parents are exhausted yet elated at the fresh new hope they have before them. The baby is finally here. Those within your circle of influence graciously applaud your efforts as you launch this new idea into the world. It is now that the real work begins.
Bringing the baby to term was the easy part, raising this wonderful child is a whole other story. What happens when the vision gets older? Not quite as cute, amiable or even productive? What happens when you hit a wall and it’s hard to see the vision clearly on the other side? This is when you look back at the pictures, the memories, the landmark moments. This is when you need to remember the hurdles, the obstacles, the times you have overcome in the past when you were “pushing through” and once again, continue to push.
This is when you call a trusted friend or professional to help you navigate the terrain you presently find yourself in. New territory calls for different strategies and tactics, practical solutions that allow you safe passage through the rough areas.
This is no time to fear! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” ~2 Timothy 1:7
This is not the time to give up on that vision. Oftentimes it’s in that place of disappointment that fresh vision comes from. So I encourage you to keep pushing.
Keepin’ it real!
Blessings,
T