Does your 2020 look like this? Your path disappeared. Broken into pieces. You had to forge a new path, and maybe slog through some sand or mud. It’s easy to blame the virus or lockdowns for our 2020 troubles. But…every year has its own troubles that lead to our paths becoming something we never expected. I don’t know about you, but most years end with me looking back and seeing that my path disappeared.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you are not going to stay where you are.” Chauncey Depew

Are you staying rooted in one spot for far too long when you really need to take a step away? Start with just one step in a different direction. I love a message from our Pastor today: Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination. Which direction do you want to go? Accept that your goal may take time, and allow yourself to take small steps forward. Do not beat yourself up that a step is too small or didn’t move you forward fast enough. Do what you have the ability to do today. This week. Accept that your goal at the end may not look like your original vision once you reach it. Along the path with its broken parts and missing pieces, you will forge new paths that could result in changing goals and directions. Accept that the journey will not be perfect. Some of your steps may be off path in the wrong direction. Pause, evaluate, redirect when needed. Forgive yourself for taking some wrong steps and know that the Lord redeems all our mistakes. Accept that your goal may not be easy. Ann Voskamp often writes: “Life is Pain. So do you want the pain of discipline or the pain of disappointment?” And take a step today.