Hey guys!!
Today I'm getting personal with you guys and sharing something God has really been laying on my heart this past week: the key to success is just as much REST as it is productivity.
If you're like me, you know that this is one of the hardest lessons to learn. I always have my to do list on my mind. It could be the everyday things, like wondering if I will do well on a paper, when I'm going to have the time to practice a song I’m performing next week(!!!), all the homework I need to get done, my gym goals, how much money I’m making, all the friends I promised to get together with this month(!!!), the list goes on. And then there’s the big picture stuff. Will I be capable of graduating on time, COLLEGE, how I'm going to afford living in Cali(?!?!?!)
The mindset behind all of this is this: can I work hard enough to be successful person with a promising future? Am I capable of meeting the high expectations I have set for myself?
Being “successful” has always been really important to me, even to an unhealthy point that has led to overlooking people that I love and forgetting my promises of spending time with them because I'm too distracted by my own personal gain in one area or another. I am obsessed with pursuing my career. As I get older, I am realizing the need to step back and examine myself and my mindset objectively is key, and I’m slowly learning that I actually need to be proactive when it comes to RESTING. Mental and emotional rest and reflection is equally key to daily, healthy success as productivity is. Realizing that I am NOT as in control as I'm telling myself I am and learning to let go of the reins is 100% necessary.
As a Christian, success in found simply in becoming more like Christ.
My identity isn't found in my own goals and accomplishments, wealth or skills, instead it is found entirely in Him. My earthy dreams and strategies are a complete loss if my focus is clouded by worldly profit and gain. Making the choice to change the definition of success in my mind from the personal attainment of popularity or profit to bringing God all the glory and furthering his Kingdom is a lesson that absolutely must be learned. It’s something I am still trying to drill into my brain and probably something I will always have to re-enforce for the rest of my life.
When I had the idea to write this article for my blog these verses came into my mind from Matthew’s gospel:
19. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.
20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.
23. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24. No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Lastly, I would encourage you guys to examine your priorities. Find where your focus is and redirect if necessary. Eliminate distractions (social media is a big one for me!!). Work hard to reach a goal you've set for yourself and inspire others to do the same. Be proactive in productivity AND rest this week and you will be amazed by the outcome.
K! I’m done preaching LOL! I hope this blessed you in some way. Have an amazing Sunday and recharge so you can tackle the week ahead.
xx Kat <3
