Planting Progress

Finals are coming up and I’m sure many of us are overwhelmed. Some of us may have been studying for a while now and some of us may not have even started. You might have a big project that is due at the end of the week, and you might be thinking, how in the world am I going to get everything done, turned in, and still get a good grade?! There are a lot of emotions that come along with finals week and the last week of school.  

During this very full and what seems like a never-ending week, let’s think about what can help us stay positive and energetic. This might be as simple as taking a walk, listening to your favorite song, or calling a friend and encouraging each other. There are so many things you can do to stay positive. If you can’t think of something right off the bat that’s okay.  

Let me introduce you to this quote said by my very special physics teacher from high school when I was not doing so well in class and felt like I couldn’t keep up. He told me countless times throughout the year that “if you’re making progress in the positive direction, you’re going to be okay.” This saved me in those challenging moments as a senior in high school when I was worried about my grades and being perfect. At first, I wondered to myself, “how do I know if the progress I’m making is right?” It was hard for me to understand this in the beginning because I couldn’t see the outcome of the work I had put in right away. Even at times when I wasn’t sure if I was making progress, I kept on seeking help from the teacher and my friends around me. I made physics my priority in that season of my life because I knew it had to be. I knew in that given situation that making progress wasn’t about a grand gesture or about getting an A in the class but rather it was about choosing wisely what needed to be done in the present and making the time. Ultimately, I knew that this meant striving to be better than the person I was yesterday.  

It is hard to make choices, make time, and prioritize in life, but it is possible. Everyone’s progress looks different and what we feel and see during our time of growth is different, but one thing will always be the same. You don’t have to be perfect, and truth be told, you can’t be perfect, and I believe that’s the beauty of life. If everything and everyone were to be perfect, there would be no room for progress. There would be no celebration of growth. Although you may not see progress right away in the things you’re experiencing now, have joy and peace in the waiting.  

This upcoming week may go by slowly, and it may be dreadful, but you know what? That just means you have more time for progress! You have more time to feel and see what you’re striving for. Let me leave you with this one last quote.  

“The day you plant the seed it not the day you eat the fruit.” 

Don’t worry about eating the fruit right this second but be intentional with the seed you plant and strive to be better than you were yesterday, an hour ago, or even five minutes ago.   

To every single person out there who is taking finals in the near future, to anyone who needs encouragement today; I believe in YOU. I believe in the seeds you are planting along the way. I believe in the beautiful fruit you’re going to produce. I believe in your capability to move forward.  

Forever your encourager,  

Lydia