Progress Not Perfection

Nothing is worse than setting New Year's resolutions realizing you never held your end of the bargain from the previous year.

That was me, last year and mostly every year before that.


This year is different.

The reason?


My goals are Christ-focused taking ideas from the Bible itself.


"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9

I have chosen to finish my education this year, or at least get the ball rolling this year. I have tried countless times and for whatever reason, it was not meant to be. I will try again, and if school is not in His plans for me it won't happen.


"An intelligent person aims at wise actions, but a fool starts off in many directions."
Proverbs 17:24

For I know that my path has already been determined and new things are waiting, whichever path I'm led to I will take. At the very least, I've started in a direction for Him to determine my path.


"The Lord says, 'Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing..."
Isaiah 43:18-19

The Bible has also said that our body is the temple of the holy spirit. I have been weak, ill and needy, in no condition to take on a new thing. I want God to be able to use me for the great things he has planned for my life, if I'm weak I am of no purpose to Him. This is why getting back into the gym, eating healthy and gaining a few pounds have become important goals in my life.

I have surrounded my life with "yes people", people that have said yes to the Lord and love and support my life and the plans He has for it. Whenever we embark on a new journey we cannot do it alone, for nothing great in life is ever accomplished alone.


Last but certainly not least I will focus on my progress not perfection.
I will never be the perfect mother, daughter, wife, student or friend. I can and have spent too much time comparing myself to other "perfect" women that surround me. There never seems to be a shortage of those that will point out our mistakes and imperfections. Truth is, none of us are perfect and time spent feeling inadequate is time wasted. Instead I have chosen to lift myself up when I'm not feeling as though I measure up. Three days a week in the gym is not my ideal goal but even one day is more than last year because my progress is more important than perfection.

And lastly I leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses that sums up this post.


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart: do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."
Proverbs 3:5-6

Welcome to this world Madisen Presley Bensen.

Daughter of my dear friends Scott and Laura.