Today as the cursor is blinking and beckoning my next word, I am slightly overwhelmed by the task at hand. To step into something different. To step into the arena. To step up to the plate and perhaps, get an “out!” Even as I attempt to write on performance, the truth is that I long to please. I long to encourage one lost soul who is struggling. I long to perform well so that Jesus is pleased. But, could it be that Jesus is pleased with me regardless of my performance? In fact, He loves to show me just how perfect is never attainable; therefore, I am in great need of a Savior. The performance treadmill pervades into every area of our lives; and we begin to define ourselves by how much we have accomplished as well as how well we have accomplished it. We push our kids to achieve good grades and to perform well in sports; yet, the most blessed part should just be the process. The process of hard work. The process of showing up. The process of perseverance. The process.

My yesterdays were defined by the accolades.  The degrees. The grades. The cars. The houses. The schools. And even the friends. Oh, the comparisons…. I’ll be the first to admit that almost everyone’s life looks fabulous on social media. We see instant selfies proclaiming where we have been and with whom we have been. We see beautiful faces and beautiful places. Could it be that maybe, just maybe, if we look like this person or we meet that particular person, then, we would arrive? Or if we travel to a particularly wonderful destination, then, we would be content?

My days can be built on comparisons: to others, to myself, and even to what God desires. They, too, can be built on the persuasive, idolatrous messages of this world clamoring for my attention. These days can be centered around my desires, my wants, or my deepest longings; or they can be centered and grounded in the Only Anchor who truly matters. Simply, they can point to self on the throne or God.

My tomorrows also can and do have foundational cracks that emit emotions such as fear. Will I arrive at the end of this life with real disappointments in my story or of callings never started? Will God look into my eyes with sheer and utter disappointment over performances that were never attempted in the guise of fear? Will regrets swallow me whole, not just in how life worked or didn’t, but in real relationships in which were just too difficult and messy?

Oh to not measure ourselves by our own yardstick but rather to dig deeply into the gems of what God says of us:

We are dearly beloved. We are His children. We are seen, known, and loved exactly as we are with all of our imperfections, with all of our messiness, with all of us.

So let the image of the treadmill today remind you that it is God who is working within you and that His love and acceptance are not hinged upon your performance. How freeing is that fact? Our yesterdays, our days, and our tomorrows are HIS and are for HIS glory alone! May the attractiveness of this temporal world lose its charm in light of the glorious redemption that is ours in Jesus. Come to Jesus. Surrender anew to allowing God to define you, not the  restlessness of performing. It will never be enough; but, you are always enough in Christ.