It.started as one of “those weeks”. You know the kind. It seems like from the moment I opened my eyes that particular Monday morning frustration was just sitting there on the end of the bed starring at me. I tried to ignore the unwanted visitor. But it was clear that from the time my feet touched the floor that this uninvited “guest” was determined to spend the day right by my side. 🙄 What was crazy is that the story of the little train came to mind just shortly after I got up and got moving. I haven’t read or heard that story in years. I could not imagine why it was in my head. Especially that one little famous line, “I think I can”.
It doesn’t matte what we are going through, life in general, changes in job position or career, a child that has reached a new stage of their life…. it seems that growth and especially the pains of growth bring this unwanted guest of frustration to visit. Things are happening too slowly. Things are happening too fast. Maybe you find yourself with this same visitor today. Just don’t let this temporary lodger become a renter or permanent resident. A guest is someone that only stays for a period of time.
As I sat down to drink my coffee, focus on the computer, and get an idea of what tasks needed to be tackled for the day, My thoughts kept going back to the story about the little train. He tried and failed. He tried and saw no results. I’m sure frustration hopped on board at some point and told him to quit. It was impossible. He wasn’t strong enough. He’d never be like the others. But the little train focused on the top of the hill. He was determined. As I worked on scheduling things I started thinking about determinations. Do I have enough of it within myself to make it to the top of my hill? Do I have a focused and firm intention to reach my goals?
As I moved through that week I asked myself, “What are my goals?” I mean, I know what thoughts I have in my head. I know what things I have looked to and worked toward over the years. But as far as writing them down and actually looking at them. I have not done that in a while. So. I decided to take a few post-it notes and jot down a word or two, or a small phrase 😁, about what I want to see myself achieve. Maybe you need to do the same. Maybe you just need to see it in writing. Put it somewhere where you will be reminded. Maybe on your bathroom mirror. Maybe in a book you have been reading. Maybe on your computer, or on the fridge door. The little train never lost sight of the hill.
I want to succeed. To me that doesn’t translate to having a huge number in the bank account. (Even though, an extra zero or three added to the end of my bank balance wouldn’t necessarily hurt my feelings.🤣) To me success is doing something that I enjoy or love and doing it well. Helping others along the way. Seeing my Family taken care of. Whatever your goals, whatever you definition of success, I pray that you remain determined in your climb up the hill. I pray that you remember that Frustration is NOT a permanent resident. I pray that you succeed, and I ask that you pray the same for me.
