The problem with long-term progress

Long-term progress has the frustrating problem of being seemingly invisible in the present moment. It only becomes apparent in hindsight. I found myself stewing over one part of my daily routine that wasn’t what I held as ideal. It suddenly struck me that the me of ten years ago would be in awe of how I have crafted my mornings, the preparation I do in the evenings and so many other little parts of my life right now. It may not be perfect but there has been progress.

I realised I had started comparing my present spiritual development practices and daily rhythms with those of people in a different season of life and with many more years of practice. As with most external comparison, it wasn’t helpful. It left me feeling inadequate and discouraged rather than spurred on.

I thought back over the development of the rhythms that serve me now. Small changes, dropped and picked up again, tweaked and refined, or even completely abandoned for new ones in different seasons. This is what has made the difference over time. A slight shift in direction changes the trajectory radically further down the road. Once again, festina lente proves true. The life I want to live in the long term is built in small, slow steps.

Before I press forward, I want to pause and celebrate. I remember when engaging with Scripture every day felt like an impossible task. Practicing silence was a foreign concept that I hadn’t even thought to include in my days, let alone find ways to make it feasible. It felt like every ounce of energy was needed to simply survive. This isn’t my reality now.

There have been tears and frustrations. There have been false starts and abandoned goals. There have been obstacles and dark times. They were all part of the process that has brought me to the person I am today. In the day to day, I didn’t see much difference. Looking back, I see the growth.

So, today I smile to myself and allow myself to bask in this warm glow of delight. I recognise the impact of my choices combined with the transforming work of Christ in my life. I am deeply grateful for the people who have been part of this journey with me so far, both in person and through words shared in books, courses and podcasts.

There will, no doubt, be more challenges in the days ahead. I could list all the ways I have messed up recently and the goals that are stalled. The wrestle between who I want to be and comforting distraction continues. For now, I accept the invitation to celebrate.

Maybe that is an invitation for you today too. Instead of berating yourself for your failures, look back on your wins.  Capture the little moments that show you how far you have come instead of letting them pass by ignored. I am cheering you on.