Imperfect Days

Progress, not perfection. This is my reminder for the hard days. The ones where your mind is totally unfocused. Everything seems to distract you and even though you’re completely aware, you still allow it. Where your willpower is weak and you’re not prepared to handle any obstacle. When you doubt yourself, and let negative logic take over your whole spirit. Each seemingly insignificant thought can quickly turn into a defeated mind state. When the whole day passes you by and nothing tangible was accomplished. You’re disappointed and deflated.

We all have days like this. Don’t give up on yourself. Understand that tomorrow is a new start. With the rising of the sun – a chance to do things differently. I don’t want to say, “get it right.” Because there is no “right.” There is just your best. If you study or follow The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz, focus on the last one. It reminds us that your best is going to change with every moment. The circumstances of life are always evolving, and so your expectations of your abilities will shift as well. Some days we are healthy and energized and full of determination. Other days we are tired and sick and unsure of where to begin. Regardless of what surrounds you, just do your best.

Take comfort in the fact that God’s love for his children never changes. God’s grace is not dependent on our actions. If we mess up, God doesn’t abandon us. He forgives us over and over and doesn’t view us any differently with every screw up. He created us and knows we are flawed, but he still sacrificed his Son for our infinite redemption. Every unproductive day is not the final destination. We are constantly growing and evolving and the point of it all is in the journey. Wisdom is not made in a day. We are not born with full maturity and understanding of life. Some things will never be achieved and that’s ok. All we can do is embrace every opportunity to learn and to try harder. And when we don’t think we can do it, we ask God for help. He has an abundant source of strength and courage ready to pour out on those who ask. We are not meant to do it on our own.

My oldest son had his first day of basketball camp at our city’s university yesterday. He’s a naturally talented athlete and has always been great at basketball. He is typically a leader for his team, and others look to him to perform under pressure. But yesterday, his resilience was tested. He’s in the youngest age group for the camp and therefore playing with kids who are much older. The more experienced participants weren’t passing to him during scrimmages, and when he did get the ball they stole it or blocked his shot. His dad and I encouraged him afterwards to thank God for the opportunity. You don’t improve your skills by playing with people you’re already better than. This is an important week. Will you rise to the occasion, or give up and let it pass you by? This is your chance to grow – both inside and out. Be creative and figure out ways to achieve. Get faster, get lower, get around the big guys that can’t move with the same agility as you. And most importantly, remember that you are God’s child. He won’t put you in situations you can’t overcome. I laid hands on his back and prayed that God would fill him with a confidence that cannot be shaken. That he would give him courage to stand tall when he feels small, and give him strength to press on when he’s tired inside. That every small win or big achievement will never fail to bring glory to God.

These hard times make us who we are. Whether it’s a hard moment or a hard season that seems to last for ages, we can get through it. And we will. We’ll be better for it and look back on those times with gratitude. We will appreciate how they molded us and smile at how far the journey took us. Your imperfect days are leading you to greatness.