I’ve noticed something about myself and I’m assuming the same is true for you. When it comes to change I’m usually all in until it gets uncomfortable or even to the point of pain. Let me give you some examples. There are occasions (recently more than I care to admit) when my belt starts to get pretty snug around my waist. So, I make the decision to lose a few pounds. I put together an eating plan. I commit to following it faithfully. Then about 2 days (sometimes 3) in I start to have some cravings (a donut from Carmello’s, a steak from the grill, chips and salsa). It’s at this point when the cravings kick in or I have to consider turning down an invitation to go out and eat that I wilt like a dandelion that’s been cut from the grass. Why? Because I’m all in . . . until it gets painful.
Here’s another one: I’ve been wanting to start running again. I need to start running again. So, every night I set my alarm for the appropriate time, but when it goes off I turn it off and rollover. Why do I do that? Because I’m all in . . . until it gets uncomfortableness!
One last example: I started this blog several months ago and when I first started it was awesome. I looked forward to sitting down and writing. I constantly had new thoughts coming to my mind. But then the “newness” wore off. My calendar started to fill. My “new thoughts” seemed to be “old thoughts.” I considered calling it quits and moving on. After all, it’s not a requirement. It’s not necessarily even an expectation from anyone other than me. So, I thought about stopping. Why? Because I’m all in . . . until it gets inconvenient.
I guess you probably are getting quite the picture. Some are probably even rehearsing similar experiences. So, why even bring up such topics (especially on a Monday)? Well, in large part, because Molly and I have committed to resolutely ridding our lives from debt. We want to live lives that are free from any obligations other than to love one another and be available to serve God’s kingdom. As a result we are in the throws of uncomfortableness and inconvenience. We are experiencing the initial pains of making changes. And I know there will come a time and a day (probably sooner than we expect) when we want to quit and go back to life as it has always been. But to be honest (in this experience) we can’t. Much of what we feel God has called us to be is connected to freedom and obedience. So, we need to prevail.
Here’s my question: What have you done to make it over the hump of pain and inconvenience?
September 22, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Rick & I are also having the painful & stressful conversations about dealing with our debt. We know we HAVE to get this done, and cannot fail. Thinking about the question, I think of all the other processes that involve “getting over” something, whether it’s addiction or grief or weight management – they all involve a support system, a community of people going through the same thing. It’s interesting there isn’t an “In Debt Anonymous” group (IDA?), probably because we’re all too embarressed to share how much we are in debt. But, knowing there are others in the same boat, sharing what works and what doesn’t, supporting people – if it works for AA, why not for dealing with debt? For example, financing 2 Harley’s & a Corvette certainly isn’t my proudest moment, but hopefully it makes someone else feel better!
A plug for the ABC course – it’s great, we love the principles & are very encouraged as we face this mountain. Thanks for teaching!
September 23, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Ditto on the ABC course!
I just experienced my own form of pain by cutting Dish Network programming severely. Personally, this will be a LARGE “hump of pain” to get over, but I will do it. Getting out of debt is the new priority around our house.
September 23, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Don’t worry about the running thing. I don’t think anyone really wants to run anyway. Talk about painful!
September 26, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Wanna start running again? You need a goal. Get yourself signed up for the Illinois Marathon, April 11, right here in the twin cities. I signed up and will be joining the 2nd Wind Running Club for support and direction. Do it.
September 26, 2008 at 6:45 pm
My problem isn’t really getting over the hump of pain and inconvenience… it’s waiting for results. I’m willing to endure (and sometimes enjoy) a little pain and inconvenience, but only if it means I get to see results.
That’s where this getting-out-of-debt thing is going to be tricky. I’m looking forward to the challenge of figuring out how to do it… but more concerned about sticking with it over the long haul since the mortgage isn’t going away anytime soon.
October 4, 2008 at 12:35 am
2 quotes come to mind the first is ” The majority of the worlds failures come from people who quit without knowing how close they were to success” and on the same note ” The majority of the worlds prayers that go un-answered are because those people did not endure to the end”
October 6, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I’m glad to see you’ve stuck with the blog JP. People outside our church are reading it and you’re having an impact on people within the church as well.