Zigzagging Through Life Part IV

Zigzagging Through Life Part IV

Determination and focus are synonymous.  A certain mental resolve is necessary to zigzag toward goals and dreams.  We only accomplish those tasks to which we unwaveringly commit ourselves.  You will recall from the gospels that our Lord Jesus Christ turns His face towards Jerusalem with a flint stone determination.  Despite the denial, betrayal, and crucifixion that awaits Him, Jesus unrelentingly decides to fulfill His destiny.  His determination to succeed empowers Him to overcome any obstacle in His path.  Likewise, if we are to achieve our goals, we must possess an unconquerable and unquenchable resoluteness to succeed regardless the costs.

Discipline means practice.  All good athletes universally agree that daily practice is the key to setting records and gaining entrance into the hall of fame.  Practice is where one converts potential into productivity.  Good ball players who do not practice daily will never be known by the larger masses of sports fans.  Mediocre players will not receive commercial endorsements whereby they can solidify their financial well-being after retirement from professional athletics.  In stark contrast, superlative achievement rewards those persons who discipline themselves to show up for practice each day.

The book of Proverbs succinctly characterizes the process of zigzagging through life as “slow plodding.”  If you have ever bailed water out of a flooded basement with a bucket, then you know the hard work, time and effort necessary to remove the moisture.  Yet, when you begin with throwing out that first bucket of water, you commence the journey that leads to the ultimate success of throwing out the last bucket of water.  Perhaps, you have only a ladle instead of a bucket.  Then, the task will be harder and require more time.  Nonetheless, if you stick with it, you will finish.  Similarly, the process of zigzagging on the journey toward the fulfillment of our heart’s deepest desires often necessitates practicing the spiritual discipline of “slow plodding.”

The final component to zigzagging successfully is gracious guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.  John’s gospel refers to the Holy Spirit as “Comforter, Counselor and Friend.”  In business terms, His predominant role and unique revelation equates to a consultant.  The Holy Spirit yields God’s special favor in order that we might succeed.  Most practically, He grants us the incredible gift of willingness, which replaces our egos and willfulness.  This most benevolent and undeserving spiritual gift propels us toward our goals even when we lack willpower.  Essentially, the Holy Spirit fills in the gap where our personal character and resources fail us.  His generosity empowers us to accomplish our goals as we zigzag in spite of our incapacities.

One of the most concrete and beneficial aspects of following the Holy Spirit is the encouragement that He gives.  Like a really good friend, He cheers us on when we are tempted to give up.  The Holy Spirit sustains us; His comforting presence assures us that Someone is always seeking the best outcome.  Imagine running in one of the great city marathons which entails twenty-six plus miles.  It seems reasonable to suspect that many runners entertain the idea of quitting at some point along the course.  Probably, they say to themselves, “When I reach the next mile marker, I will stop.  Reaching that distance is a commendable result, even if I have not finished the race.”  In the marathon of life, the Holy Spirit runs alongside of us.  In the words of the prophet, Isaiah, “He giveth power to the faint; and to those who have no might, he increaseth strength.”  He says to us, “Don’t give up.  Stay in the race.  Finish the course.  Zigzag if you must but complete the race.”