There's an old adage that says, 'Practice Makes Perfect'! For example, we may marvel at the phenomenal success of Tiger Woods. There's many a young person whose dream it is to one day become a Tiger Woods on the golf course. And there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's healthy to have positive role models that we can look up to & emulate. But what we must keep in mind as we are watching these performers is that we are seeing only their 'polished' side. For most of us, we don't get to see that the polished side of their performance is the result of hours and hours of tedious practice, day after day, going over & over the finer points of their game. Yes, Tiger is probably gifted with pure natural talent but, remember, raw talent still requires "perfecting". And "perfecting" requires "practice". Richard Carlson in 'Don't Sweat The Small Stuff.....and it's all small stuff' has a chapter in his book entitled, REMEMBER THAT YOU BECOME WHAT YOU PRACTICE MOST. I will always remember the astonished look on the face of one of my counselees when I gave him my answer to his question, "How can I change my life?" I think he was all prepared to hear a deep theological, philosophical statement. Instead, I asked him to write down 3 or 4 most dominant habits in his life. Once he had completed the assignment, I asked him if he could see the connection between what he had become and the habits that had become part of his daily life. In his case, the connection was quite obvious. He had become what he had practiced the most. For him to change his life, he had to begin practicing another set of habits!

It is extremely helpful to become aware of our own habits, both that which is allowed to enter us from the outside world and that which is allowed to flow forth from within us. Be daring enough to ask ourselves whether these habits we are cultivating are consistent with and in harmony with the goals we wish to achieve. Carlson adds, "Sadly, many people spend far more time washing their car or watching returns of television shows they don't even enjoy than they do making time for aspects of life that nurture their hearts. If you remember that what you practice you will become, you may begin choosing different types of practice."

There is no doubt that practice is hard, tedious work. But remember that about the time we are ready to give up, Jesus comes alongside and whispers, 'Don't quit, keep going, keep your eyes on Me,' as He provides His gentle touch of grace, joy and love at just the right moment.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
(Hebrews 12:1).

Becoming that person that both we & God wants us to become just doesn't happen by itself! We need to learn the habits which will get us there! And one of the first habits we need to develop is the habit of daily consciously choosing to commit all our life and will to Christ's care and control. If you have never done that, why not take a few moments right now and make that decision: let Him know that you are serious in allowing Him to become the "driver" of your "bus" - your life!

You will be glad you did!