As an art teacher, I often find myself reminding my students that "GOOD ART TAKES TIME". For some reason, they want to race through their projects to be the first one complete. In the rush to finish, their work truly suffers. They are messy, incomplete, lacking detail, and not fully developed in concept & composition. I will first tell them to look at their work HONESTLY and see if it is truly their best. If they can see it is not, I will have them go back and fix it up. If they tell me it is their best work, then I will take them through the different parts of their picture that might need their attention. Sometimes during their attempts to complete their work ( the second time), I will hear them complain about something being too hard or that they "can't" do it (reasons why they may have rushed the first time....frustration). They need to move past the mental blocks of "TOO HARD" & "I CAN'T". They aren't just words, but mind sets that trap young artists and keep them from finding joy & success in creating. I can reteach the lesson/concept, work individually with them, and answer questions they might have, but what will benefit them the most is continuing to try their best and work through their frustration. There is an endurance in art that some do not consider. Being an artist is like a marathon runner. Time, practice, and pushing through the frustrations will yield reward. One day they will look back and wonder why they struggled with such a thing.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of thrown of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Herbrews 12: 1-2
Our faith walk can be derailed by our mind set at times. We allow the world to speak lies into our life that just aren't true. These lies start taking root in our life, and we are unable to move forward. These lies are the things that so easily entangle. Fixing our eyes on the Lord, pushing through the lies..focusing on THE TRUTH. It takes some work. It takes time of being uncomfortable. But if you continue in the truth...you WILL overcome! The next time lies come...situations rise up...war rages around you....you will do it all over again. This time though...your endurance in the faith is stronger. And the next...yes...there will be a next time...you will be stronger...IN HIM! The lies will no longer have the impact they once did..traps of this world will not get you. God will get the glory..and you will run the race with endurance....to the victory which He already has won!!
Dear Jesus..let me run this race with the endurance that comes from knowing and walking with you!! Let me not fall into the traps of this world. Let my eyes be set on You and believe the truth you have spoke and gave me in your Word!
In Your Name, Ted
Amen!
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