Pressing On

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NIV)

What a beautiful day it was yesterday! February 2nd with sunshine and 70 degrees! Naturally, since I had the day off, I went to South Mountains for a hike.

It has been important to me to keep this activity something I love, so usually, I don't push myself too hard. Some days it is even more of a stroll than a hike as I stop several times to enjoy the scenery or take pictures. I have several favorite rest areas on the trail and usually take full advantage of them. But yesterday, the sun was warm, the air was clean and I was feeling energetic, so I decided to push myself a little harder by only taking a short break up at the waterfall.

It was kind of funny how every time I would reach one of my usual rest stops, my body just felt like it wanted to naturally stop. It was hard not to! But I pressed on past them. The 180 steps from the base of the waterfall to the top of the waterfall was the most challenging. There are 4 or 5 stone benches on that section of the trail and they are always so inviting. But I pressed on... Slowly... But steadily. I was very proud when I accomplished my goal and hope to improve my time next time.

So what about our spiritual health? Have we gotten used to the habits we currently have with no desire to improve? Lent is coming up. What a good time to push ourselves a little harder! Plan now to do a Bible study, or add more prayer time to your day. Decide to be kinder to people even when they are unkind to you.

Our spiritual lives always have plenty of room for improvement. Let's push ourselves a little harder this Lent. We will be so happy with ourselves when we reach our new goals.

Father,
Keep us from being too satisfied with our current spiritual health. Encourage us as we press on toward the goal. Amen.

Joys: unseasonably warm winter days; setting and reaching a goal; starting a good novel