Plodding.

Every year, our family likes to sense what God may be wanting to do in and through us for that coming year. As I reflected on some of my hopes and dreams, I had this overwhelming sense that this was a character formation year of learning plodding and consistency. 

verb (used without object), plod·ded, plod·ding.

to walk heavily or move laboriously; trudge:to plod under the weight of a burden.

to proceed in a tediously slow manner:The play just plodded along in the second act.

to work with constant and monotonous perseverance; drudge.

noun, plural con·sist·en·cies.

a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc.:The liquid has the consistency of cream.

steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.:There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.

agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing:consistency of colors throughout the house.

the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.

These words seem both daunting and yet also comforting; there's a maturity and wisdom in them.

As I'm in my mid-thirties now, I have learned (at least to some extent) to consider the value of unhurried and unrushed results; whether my faith, words, or my work, my fitness, or even my financial aspirations.  I have a little more perspective on my place in the world, and my time in it. I feel less repelled by the idea of a five-year plan, or ten-year plan, or even to think about me in my old age. So I'm needing to learn good habits that will serve me and my family in the long-term, rather than short-term. Not flash-in-the-pan solutions that have served my survival mode of youth for so long; but a steadiness that produces a slow burn at first and needs consistent kindling to produce any worthy flame. 

This isn't to say that suddenly I'm going to begin all these habits that are doomed to fail by February this year. This is adding a little structure and intention to many of my already-existing  routines.

I suppose I've been speaking vaguely, so here are some concrete ways I am plodding consistently:

• -I signed up to receive daily creative writing prompts to which I hope to write at least small fits and starts and develop my skills. These writing muscles have been flaccid far too long and I need a good fitness plan. Perfection isn't the goal; just consistency for now. I feel this is a God-given mandate to my heart at this point; anything else would be disobedience.
• -I don't necessarily have a plan yet, but I do hope to read more. I need it. Especially theology and philosophy and history, as those have occupied my thoughts since...well, since forever. Not to mention more consistency in reading the Bible.
• -I joined a gym last fall and have been attending regularly, and plan to continue that this year.
• -We have been saving for a trip to Ireland and Scotland and are going in May. This is a big deal for us as it marks our 15-year anniversary and also is a symbol to us of abundance. This is the first long trip we've taken since we've been married (besides our honeymoon!).
• -Paying off some medical debts (or praying for miraculous provision). Medical bills don't worry me so much, but they do keep mounting as insurance plans get worse. It's a nagging little thing at the back of my mind always.

That's all for now.