regress is easier than progress

"make progress!" was a phrase that became popular with me a couple of years ago when i was trying to encourage a couple quizzers to keep up a regular schedule of learning. the idea was to move forward, even if it was just a little bit at a time.

since that time, the concept of "progress" (and no i don't mean the pedro the lion e.p.) has been one that has come to mind often, especially because it ties in rather nicely with the tool of a growth plan. a verse that often comes to mind is 1 Timothy 4:15 which says, "practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress."

so i've been trying to get in the habit of doing little things regularly that are helpful to growth (easier said than done, because i can be rather sporadic and undisciplined). moving into my own place has also made this a little bit easier (because i am also easily distracted... and at my house i have no tv or internet).

i've made goals and tried to be more thoughtful (hmmm - i actually do more when i consciously think about it). i've had successes and i've had failures (usually stemming from neglect of thoughtfulness and the aforementioned proclivity to distraction).

one little every day bit of progress this summer was pulling weeds in the garden. maybe i'd only have 5 minutes some days... but i'd get some pulled every day. i was making progress! then i went away to camp for a week, and guess what?!? the weeds had taken over... and stronger than ever.

since that time with the weeds (and yes, the poor old lu song is applicable), i've been thinking through this simple point: it takes effort - thought and energy - to move ahead. progress is not easy. regress? well, that's easy, just stand where you are. i think back to the analogy of walking the wrong way on the airport moving walkway. "standing firm" according to paul in philippians 4:1 relates back to "pressing on" in chapter 3 (cue relient k) - standing still takes me the wrong way.

so for me, for now, i'm thinking of that turtle.... and saying to myself, "MAKE PROGRESS!" (ok, yeah, now we can go to pedro...)



lol... and thus continues my theory that no matter what the subject, i can come up with a musical reference...