The race; the epic battle of the tortoise and the hare. The timeless fable of an overconfident hare that was sure it could beat the slow moving tortoise.
The Race
While the story seems to be about the race; it is a metaphor about life.
Life is like a race; realistically, a marathon. It has a beginning and an end, with a lot of distance in between. So many things can happen along the way; obstacles can pop up, staying focused, pushing yourself when you hit the wall, and pacing yourself to finish.
Rushing to the end and trying to have, and accomplish everything in life is not always the important part of the race. Slow and steady, enjoying the run and scenery along the way, will bring far more pleasures to life.
It is not important how you start the race; but how you run the race and finish it that matters. Enjoy the race of life and all that it offers.
Cross-stitch is a beautiful piece of work when completed.
Cross-Stitch of Life
The hours spent pulling different colors of thread through a fabric, in X shaped stitches to create a scene, patterns, phrases, flowers, people, and so many other things are a skilled piece of artwork. The beauty of the finished product is stunning for all to behold.
The hidden backside of it, though, is a complete mess. Thread going from one spot to another, in a gridded pattern, using different stiching patterens at times, that ends up looking like a bowl of spaghetti. A complete disaster that is often hidden and unseen when completed, and so different than what the finished piece is seen by others.
People are much like a cross-stitch piece. We see the beauty and outward appearance of a seemingly happy and wonderful human being. What we mostly do not see is the mess and turmoil deep inside, that is hidden from the world.
The distress of everyday life that causes chaos deep within. The smile and the persona that hides all of the inward battles and is projected in a beautiful smile, a kind action or word.
However; there is the cleaner version of cross-stitch. The version that took more time and work to make the front a work of art and the back cleaned up and neat.
People are exactly like that, and go through that same transformation when they work on their inner self. A cleaned up and better projected inner version that is amazing for themselves and for the world to see.
All it takes is a little work, dedication, faith, belief, effort, and a willingness to make ourselves beautiful inside and out, leaving a masterpiece for all to see.
Be the cross-stitch master piece in life.
1 Peter 3:4 NIV Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Practice is used in everything in life. It is said that practice makes perfect.
Practice
Though it may or may not make things perfect, it does make things and us far better in so many ways.
Practice is not just reserved for sports, athletics, musical instruments, singing, and so on. Practicing having a good mental attitude, being polite, helping others, praising all, respecting people, encouragement, self-improvement, and the list goes on.
Practice being the best that you can possibly be, doing the best in everything you do, and treating others the best that you can is the best practice that you could ever do.
Practice makes us as perfect as we possibly can be; if we are only willing to do it.
Romans 12:13 NIV Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
It is a major event in peoples lives. For some, it is surviving tragic events, cancer, other illnesses, or the loss of loved ones. For others, it is surviving struggles with physical, mental and emotional impairments. Then there are those that are surviving daily challenges in life such as unemployment, loss of income or barely making it, having a place to live, taking care of and feeding a family, staying healthy and surviving what the world throws at them.
Surviving is deep-seated in each person that takes a lot of effort, willpower, fear, desire, strength that you did not know that you even had, and a willingness to face and overcome something that is far bigger than you.
Being a survivor is much more than winning; it is the beginning of a new journey in your life. It changes your life forever and opens your mind, heart and spirit to the blessings in life that we take for granted everyday and a side of yourself that you may not even realize existed. It humbles you, teaches you lessons, and makes you stronger than you have ever been. Own it! You deserve it!
Being a survivor is one of the greatest blessings and gifts that is given to us.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
The “Eye on the Prize” is a wonderful term. One that is used by athletes, motivationalists, coaches, teachers, and more. Though it is used as a term associated with winning or success, it is far deeper than that. It is beyond a trophy, an award, or achievement.
It is about focus, direction, determination, will power, feelings, strength, a positive attitude, achievement, a driving source deep inside, or a spiritual desire. The prize can be about raising your children, a graduating child, a wish, a dream, creating a happy home, a new job, helping someone, overcoming adversity, or a servere illness. It can be something simple or more complex, and anything that you want bad enough to strive for, desire and want for yourself or for others.
The prize is knowing you did everything you could or were led to do, to the best of your ability and feeling the overwhelming peace, satisfaction and excitement of obtaining the prize.
Let your “Eye on the Prize” be a beautiful experience and journey filled with excitement and joy.
Philippians 3:14 NIV I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Journey-of-Inspirations 