The last few months have been a whirlwind full of milestones and transitions. To be honest, it has been a challenge to keep any kind of normal routine. Full of ups and downs, disruptions, and detours – all I can do is look at the calendar and try to apply myself to the next task.

I’m having mixed results. Some days I feel accomplished and secure, but more often than not, I’m just holding on and trying to take things as they come. One moment at a time, one step, one day at a time is all I can muster.

Some days I feel up for the challenges, other days, I’m literally just showing up and hoping for the best. Amid all this, I am learning something…

There’s a difference between strength and stamina. There is a distinction between motivation and discipline. All of these are needed at different times, depending on what circumstances demand, and all of these are necessary.

While strength is good, stamina is required for sustained progress. Motivation is important, but discipline is what kicks in when motivation wanes. Strength will get us started but stamina keeps you going. Motivation will inspire you but discipline will help you to sustain a vision when disruptions and distractions arise. Strength may allow you to sprint, but stamina requires marathon endurance. Motivation may excite you in a moment, but discipline compels you to show up even when your feelings would have you quit.

We need both. But if forced to choose, I will aim at stamina and discipline beyond strength and motivation! While life often comes at us fast, the wisest responses are those that reinforce consistency and faithfulness – that is stamina and discipline.

I know this doesn’t sound exciting, and doesn’t garner the same emotional response as when we hear ‘strength and motivation.’ But stamina and discipline are foundational when we are talking about character and legacy.

And as believers, we aren’t just running laps, we are establishing legacies. We aren’t in a sprint but we are running a marathon! This requires stamina and discipline! This requires endurance and training. But we needn’t go alone…

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

Good Morning, I love you all!

ihs,
just adam