Have you ever thought about how a blister forms?
I have a pair of Sperry crocks that I absolutely LOVE (seriously one of the best purchases I ever made). But, when I walk around for too long, I get blisters around my ankles and then can’t wear them again for a few days.
Blisters are really fascinating to me because although they seem to just appear, they actually start forming the second you walk around. Then, because of the consistent rubbing and by what seems like magic, you have yourself with a little less skin compared to earlier that day. A blister.
Blisters are a perfect representation of what progress can look like.
I’ve recently recognized a lot of flaws with my way of thinking. God has revealed to me numerous aspects of my thought life that I need to work on to become more like Jesus.
While acknowledging these faults is a great place to be, I struggle to extend myself grace and give myself patience to experience a change. I would love wake up tomorrow morning with all my problems fixed. But just like it takes time for a blister to form, it takes time to see progress.
Time. Consistency. Discomfort. Work.
If I walk around in my crocks for thirty minutes, my feet are completely fine. It’s not until that pattern becomes consistent for an extended period of time that I recognize a change in comfort level when I wear the shoes.
I went on a faith-based retreat this summer and a topic one night was “Leaving a Legacy on Campus”. One of the major points they talked about was how in order to leave a legacy, you have to change something… and change is uncomfortable.
In order to see progress, you have to make a change. Inevitably, there will be discomfort.
Progress also takes work. If I simply wear my crocks but never move, my ankles will be fine. It’s when I walk around that the rubbing occurs and the blister formation begins. Whatever my goal is, effort needs to follow it up to eventually see progress.
Application.
So, I ask myself: how can I begin to progress towards a perspective and attitude that better aligns with Jesus?
Time: Recognize it’s not going to be an overnight quick-fix.
Consistency: Dedicate time regularly to my relationship with the Lord. This may look like praying every single night before bed or starting every morning with a Devotional. But, making it a consistent discipline is essential to seeing progress.
Discomfort: I will face convictions. The more I understand what God is calling me to, the more I will need to make changes to align with His plan for my life.
Work: Read the Bible. How can I be more like someone if I don’t know their character? Pray. How can I strengthen my relationship with someone if I never talk to them?
Accountability.
Find accountability!
Too often, I become okay with letting myself down. I make a personal goal but never tell anyone so when it falls through, the only person I disappoint is myself.
There is so much value in finding someone who is running the same race as you to help keep you on track.
I had to break down and process the lies that I was believing with my Bible study leader and close friends. These trusted believers helped point out where there were flaws in my thinking and reemphasized God’s grace.
Patience. Grace.
I constantly have to remind myself how I would talk to a friend.
I believe we are our own worst critic and sometimes I need to take an outsider’s perspective and show myself the same grace I would show others.
If a friend came up to me and shared vulnerable heart cries and explained how messed up they felt, how would I respond? I know that I wouldn’t agree and keep them in that pit of sadness, as I would do to myself.
Start.
All it takes is one moment of decision. To put on those Sperry crocks and start walking. Then before you know it, with time, consistency, work, and accountability, you will have yourself a blister.
Progress.
