An old proverb says:

The way to mediocrity is easy,
The way to excellence is hard – filled with toil, sacrifice and pain…but when you get there it is easy.

One of my favorite quotes!

Looking to the end "product" without considering the cost of the journey is an affliction I possess. During my college years I decided that I wanted to learn how to fly an airplane without giving any thought to the time, study and monetary cost required. Although I accomplished my goal, the journey was more difficult than I expected, filled with what the old proverb says – toil, sacrifice and pain.

Most of us strive to do our best, whether in our professions, relationships, church life, or other responsibilities. Settling for mediocrity is not a goal. But I have to ask myself, do I settle for mediocrity in my relationship with God? Am I willing to journey through the toil, sacrifice, and pain? With joy?

Answering the expert in the law who asked which was the most important commandment, Jesus said,

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30 NIV)

That sounds like toil, sacrifice, and pain. It is a costly journey. Will you join me?

 

Sharing the journey with you,

Bob Snyder