The Trouble with Instant: and the One Word that will Change It All

As you may or may not know, I love green things but am unfortunately not gifted with an even greenish-tint thumb.

It doesn’t stop me from trying though, and I have discovered succulents, olive trees, rosemary, and lavender grow fairly well when regularly neglected. So my garden is full of succulents, olive trees, rosemary and lavender.

But this summer my older son is getting married, and I’d like the backyard to have some pretty color as we are hosting some events there. So I’ve gone outside my comfort zone and planted bright colorful flowers that actually need attention if they are going to make it for two more months (that’s the goal).

Any of you gardeners out there may think how silly this is: Why, Creative Farm Girl, you only need to give them the water and sunshine they need—that is all.

Yes. True. But sometimes it is the easiest, intentional step forward that I skip . . .

I sleep in instead of getting to my workout class.

I choose a TV show over spending a little time in prayer and Bible reading.

I eat cheese and crackers for dinner instead of the chicken and broccoli that need cooking.

I play on my phone rather than watering my flowers.

 

See how easy it is to get sidetracked?

And in each case here, I’m not trusting what will happen if I actually take that intentional  step each day. Instead, I focus on the instant gratification.

And what is wrong with instant gratification?

Well, nothing except it’s INSTANT. It’s there—and then GONE. And the goals I really want to complete are left behind.

When I choose the step that takes a little more discipline,

I am saying: I trust the process.

I am saying: Intentional work pays off. Every time.

I am saying: I’m building something good, I just can’t see it yet.

Do you have something in your life where you need to be a little more INTENTIONAL and a lot less INSTANT?

Today is the best day to start.

Let’s do this.

(And with that, she left her computer and went to water her pretty flowers.)

 

Who in your life needs to hear more intention, less instant? Send this to them today. (Not tomorrow.)