motivation | From The Committed Heart

My heart smiles as I watch them run and play. In these moments I feel alive and peace rains down! No screaming, no attitudes, no tattle telling, just giggles and hair blowing in the wind. I store this picture in my heart, then when chaos erupts, I close my eyes and visualize our happy place.

The funny thing about this “happy place” is, the lack of growth. We rarely grow in times of peace, but rather in times of struggles. Friend, don’t rush to always be at your “happy place”, learn to grow and thrive in the chaos. Accept the chiseling, the chipping away of bad, that God is performing on your life and make a choice to persevere. It took over 15 years for Leonardo da Vinci to paint the Mona Lisa and he wasn’t even working with her heart or soul. We are God’s masterpiece, a continually work in progress, and the fire is what releases the impurities of our heart. When you feel the heat today, take a moment to exhale and know He’s creating His Mona Lisa or Sally Sue or Maria Gonzales (you get the point) in you.

Three weeks ago, I applied for a reviewer position for a christian publisher. I was really excited about having the opportunity to receive free books for my children to read, review, and then giveaway to others. After waiting awhile, I received an email from the company letting me know my application was not accepted. To be honest, I was disappointed…I had gotten my hopes up, thinking what a great program this would be for the kids.

At this moment I could accept failure, allow negative thoughts fill my mind or I could work harder and reapply next year.

Believe it or not, there are many positive things that can come out of failure, if you change your mindset. Failure brings about a drive that no one can stop. Failure brings to light your weaknesses. Failure also builds character and makes you stronger.

Have you failed recently? Don’t give up. Push through and watch your failure turn into a testimony of success.

“and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the LORD God.” -Psalm 40:2-3

“Even if good people fall seven times, they will get back up. But when trouble strikes the wicked, that’s the end of them.” -Proverbs 24:16

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13

“No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!” -Romans 8:37