– I don’t want to finish the year strong; I’d rather carry on softly. Do you feel that way too? As I reflect at another year that’s quickly past by, I find myself pondering a few big and quiet finish lines – lines drawn in sand and lines marking a new start. I’m not about waving a finish strong checkered flag, but rather a keep going softly stride.
I’m a hiker, not so much for the exercise, rather for the mental peace it gives. There is a type of hiking trail I prefer walking on – the trails that lead through pine trees. These trails are rich with the smell of composting pine needles and bark. It’s a scent that beckons me to pause and breathe deep, the fragrance itself washes away stale air and stress held deep in my soul.
Visually, the green and brown hues cast a soft light and ground treasures are easily seen; peach and purple-colored mushrooms, marble-like acorns, and pinecones small enough to make a pearl-like necklace, all revealed in their tiny wonder.
Walking these paths give gentle cushion to a weary back. It’s the needles that soften the ground. With every step their therapeutic release is felt radiating from the feet up through knee and hip joints. Like a heavy coat removed, burdens are slipped off a weary back.
Choosing to walk a softer path is not a reward for exhaustion – it’s a choice to give yourself compassion.
Paul say’s in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” We’ve adapted the phrase “press on” to imply our physical, mental and emotional state must suffer to get to Jesus – strain and push ourselves to breaking health. This breaking point is at times esteemed as strength and great faith. Actually, the word “press” is translated in Greek as “I pursue”.
Paul’s “press on” simply means pursue Jesus – follow Him. Jesus is not a “catch-Him-if-you-can” leader, rather He gently demonstrated great tenderness toward His disciples upon washing their feet, then said “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15 – His hands soften the dry, burdened, and callused by giving you a resting seat at as His wash basin.
I pray this new year or new season of life you’re in reveals Jesus’ softness toward you – His gentle and compassionate leadership. Jesus loves us gently, softly and definitely … we can softly press on by pursuing the paths that guide us to the destinations where Jesus demonstrates His care for our body, mind, and soul.
Here are my top three ways I’m pursuing a softer path accompanied by a few authors who’ve inspired me to press on softly – softer with my heart and mind.
BE KIND.
Be kind to your heart and mind.
“I will tell you this: The Lord of Creation owns both the light and the darkness. He is Lord of both summer and winter, of good times and bad. To Him, day and night are alike. He has no circadian rhythm. The one who rules over the darkness can’t be overruled by yours. ―Turning of Days, Hannah Anderson
BE GROWING.
Growing is not always a forward motion. Deep growth happens when we’re paused, quiet, and resting.
“As the body of Christ in particular, we are invited to participate in this holy work of holding space. The apostle Paul speaks to this idea in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4,
Paradoxically, as we engage in our own deep emotional work, we love each other in the most alive, empathic ways. We do not see the people in front of us as tasks of obligations – they are the imago Dei (image of God), and we see and feel with them.”― Aundi Kolber, Try Softer
BE DONE.
Be done with unhealthy ways – in all the complexity and the struggle – being done is a good place to start living.
“Boundaries aren’t a method to perfect but rather an opportunity to protect what God intended for relationships.” ― Lysa Terkeurst, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes
Blessing to you as you walk out of 2022 and into 2023,
Let’s stay connected