FMF: Result
Results are perhaps over-rated.
A memory of a Kipper Christmas book came to me – Kipper enjoys all the excitement of preparations, anticipation and fun with his friends on Christmas Eve and then settles down on Christmas Eve and wonders:
Which is best, Christmas Day or Christmas Eve? Presents, or expecting presents?
The result is the end goal - like Kipper's Christmas Day – the outcome for which we labour and prepare; the finale.
Often the focus and the value all lie in those results. This is often a good and laudable thing.
The desired result can motivate us to work hard and persevere towards the result, the prize.
The problem niggling at me, is that we often do not focus on enjoying the process and end up sacrificing far too much, for our desired result and goal.
We are so focused on our desired outcome, that we forfeit the value of the journey.
What about you? Do you enjoy the preparations and the anticipation and find yourself feeling deflated when the goal is reached?
Or do you endure the preparation and relish the result and the completion of the goal?
Do you prefer Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day?
Or maybe you manage to do both, to relish the process and the results?
One can be tempted to put the desired result on a pedestal to be worshipped and acquired at any compromise or cost. We can forget the subtle truth that the ends do not justify the means.
image of architectural plans to build a house
Others of us have a goal, but realise too late the cost of the result and end up having to admit defeat.
Jesus tells a parable about a man planning to build, but not counting the cost …
Luke 14:28 TPT
So don't follow me without considering what it will cost you. For who would construct a house before first sitting down to estimate the cost to complete it? Otherwise he may lay the foundation and not be able to finish. The neighbours will ridicule him, saying, 'Look at him! He started to build but couldn't complete it!'
Some can persevere towards a dreamed for result, and after a life-time of climbing, realise that the ladder they were on was leaning up against the wrong wall!
I remember working hard for my A Levels, having applied for University to study French and Business Studies. I did not get the results required and was disappointed, but years later I could see the wisdom and was grateful that God had steered my path towards who He created me to be. I did not have any interest in business and years later went on to train to teach young children, which I loved.
The scriptures tell us another proverb: -
Unless the Lord builds a house, They who build it labour in vain;
Unless the Lord guards a city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
Psalm 127:1
We may end up with the perfect result, only to realise it was not ours to have and it could destroy us.
Before I work towards a desired result, I need to ask myself: - Is it a good plan that we have, or a God plan? What will it cost us? Are we prepared to pay that price. Is the result to the glory of God?
As you embark on your journey, make sure that the process is full of abundant life-giving encounters and experiences and that the process and the results are all to the glory of God.
Wishing you all a blessed Advent as we begin to prepare our hearts to celebrate the first coming of our Lord to this earth as a babe, and to anticipate and prepare for His glorious second coming!
Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. The prompt this week is RESULT
I do read through my script afterwards to correct my mistakes; to check scripture references and to find an appropriate image to illustrate the topic.
To read other FMF posts on this subject click HERE.
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