As I contemplate this month’s theme of celebrating success, I realize success comes in various shapes and sizes, and wonder how we measure success in our lives.
Webster’s Dictionary defines success as favorable or desired outcome.
At this time of year when students graduate from different levels of academia, many of us think of
success as walking across a stage and receiving a diploma.
May 5 one of my nephews will walk across a university stage in Florida and receive his Doctorate degree. To me, that is a major success and I’m awfully proud of all he’s accomplished.
Yes. Achieving levels of educational pursuits are success, but what about all the other life events that count as arriving at a favorable or desired outcome?
Oftentimes, I believe, we minimize our achievements because we don’t consider them actual successes.
Several scenarios come to mind where we might minimize our successes. I’m sure you can add to this incomplete list.
Think of children as they grow.
A baby’s first word, first step without falling, first time on a two-wheeler where they kept the bicycle upright. First night away from home without calling Mom or Dad. First day of school. First job.
Major successes one and all.
As we transition to adulthood we have many more successes. First real job. First car. First place we call home.
All those times we come back from an illness, take one more step forward when we doubt we can move inch, endure another painful procedure, wake with a song of praise on our lips during seasons of lament.
Each of those is counted as success in my book.
What about when we let go of the pain, hurt, and anger that threatens to undo us? The times we walk away without retaliating? How about when we step outside our comfort zone, even once, to speak to someone about Jesus? When we welcome a prodigal back with open arms instead of accusation or bitterness, that’s success.
As followers of Christ, we can measure our success every time we step out in obedience to God. Every time we lay aside our agenda and put people over program, we’ve achieved success.
So how do you measure success?
I wish you well.
Sandy
[bctt tweet=”As followers of Christ, we can measure our success every time we step out in obedience to God. Every time we lay aside our agenda and put people over program, we’ve achieved success, have we not?” username=”inspireafire”]
