I've been reading Donald Miller's new book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and it's really got me thinking about what kind of story I've been living and what kind of story I want to live.
In reading the book, I found myself looking at my life and thinking "Wow, I'm not getting very far. Shouldn't I be farther than this? Why is it taking me so long to become more godly and more obedient?"
Then I read a passage today that reassured me of my progress:
Miller was talking about training for a hike on the Inca Trail. His new trainer, Dave, "taught [him] that progress, no matter how slow, is all that matters." I have a hard time believing that because in my life I've always been someone of action and, as an American and simply a human being, I guess I'm taught to long for instant gratification. This is not how God works.
God designed us to take breaks, to slow down. Why do we sleep? Why do we want to eat? Why do we want to talk to and hang out with our friends? There are all things that are necessities for us. Rest, Food, and Fellowship. God doesn't want us to constantly be trying to get that promotion or write that song or get that part.
In His very design of our flesh and spirit, we can see that God doesn't long for instant change. He wants us to grow. If we our faith and love did not deepen over time, they could very easily and quickly deteriorate. If, say, I developed a love for God over 20 years, it might take something like 20 years to fall apart, if I were to lose faith. If I came to love God over 5 days, that love could be gone within a week.
The world is so focused on being fast-paced and efficient. However, efficiency isn't always the most effective principle.
Hopefully I can believe this on a much deeper level. Progress in my faith is all that matters.
